The Loca Loba

Souplantation or Sweet Tomatoes Sweet Deal

2011-11-10T08:01:00.006-06:00

Stop in this weekend at your local Souplantation or Sweet Tomatoes and try their seasonal side dishes and desserts. Try their Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with apples, cranberries and walnuts or Sweet Potato Maple Cream Bake or Creamy Pumpkin Bisque or Warm Autumn Pumpkin Cobbler with Walnuts and Whipped Topping all new for the season.
After you give them a try consider this, if you pre-order any 2 Savory Sides or Desserts to have for your Thanksgiving dinner you will receive a 2 pound bucket of house-made Chocolate Chip or Sugar Cookie dough when you pick up you order on Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Now this pre-order deal is only good if you dine in at one of the restaurants this weekend Nov 11-13, but hey here is a way to have a great meal without cooking and get some help with your Thanksgiving dinner. Sounds like a winner either way.
What could make this better you ask. Well how about some coupons? Just click on the link and print your coupons. Hope to see you there. I know I will be trying those yummy sounding dishes.

Dell's Military Apperciation Sweepstakes

2011-10-01T09:01:00.006-05:00

Dell Computer is giving 250 PC's to military men and women between now and Veterans Day November 11. They are also contributing a donation of $50,000 to the USO and another $50,000 to Mission Service.

Dell is asking for your help in this project. They would like you to nominate a military man or woman that needs help staying connected with their loved ones.
Just go to Dell's Military Friends and Family page and nominate your special military person. Or if you are in the military you can nominate yourself.

Dell has also added some incentive for you to participate. They will give you a $50 off coupon towards a qualifying system purchase of $599 or over. Please take the time to nominate someone. Remember these military men and women are far away from their loved one and they are protecting you.

Disclaimer: I received nothing for this post. I received this information from Dell in an email and wanted to pass it on.

Calling All ZhuZhu Pets Fans "Quest for Zhu" is Coming

2011-06-08T17:15:00.004-05:00

This fall in partnership with Universal Pictures, ZhuZhu Pets brings the magical Zhu-niverse to life in a 3-D stereoscopic animation. The feature-length film will star the four original ZhuZhu Pet characters - Pipsqueak, Mr Squiggles, NumNums and Chunk.
Just watch the trailer to get an idea how cute this film will be.

The "Quest for Zhu" is an adventurous, heartwarming and heroic tale that of us Zhu-natics of all ages are sure to love. Keep you eyes open for "Quest for Zhu" debuting in the Fall of 2011 in a theater near you. I know I will.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. However I will be entered into a drawing for a Zhu-niverse prize pack and DVD

Yanni "Truth of Touch"

2011-04-08T16:55:00.007-05:00

First let me say that I am a die-hard old country music fan. That said I recently had the opportunity through the One2One Network to listen to Yanni's new Truth of Touch album. I have to say I really liked it. In several songs there was a subtle Spanish beat that I found my head bobbing along with. I did listen to Truth of Touch while I was working and found that it has a very calming non intrusive quality. All of the songs are easy listening and it is hard to pick a favorite, but I think I liked "Flash of Color" best. It is one of the one's that I though had the Spanish beat. Truth of Touch is available now at many of your favorite music stores. I give this album 2 thumbs up.
Yanni explained this about the new material."I work with the rhythms in this album. There is a beautiful complexity in these rhythms, a new sound design. I think the melodic content is very strong and very memorable. I was having fun with this album and that's going to become apparent"
On March 22 Yanni launched a 40-date tour across the US. Just click here to see if he is coming to a city near you. The tour will take him to theaters in major cities including Radio City Music Hall in New York City and the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale now for the Texas shows in El Paso 5/17, Houston 5/19, Grand Prairie 5/20, McAllen 5/21 and San Antonio 5/22.

Disclaimer: I received a download version of Truth of Touch from the One2One Network to review and express my opinion about the album. I received no compensation for my views. I will be entered into a gift card giveaway for my participation.

Stay Connected To Your Military Loved Ones.

2011-03-18T11:57:00.008-05:00

How would you like to be able to hold on to a piece of your military loved one even if they are deployed? Yes really. Well with Military Handbags.com you can. It is a site that takes a set of fatigues and turns them into a handbag or accessory so you can literally keep a piece of your loved one close while they are so far away.

HOW DOES IT WORK
5 EASY STEPS

1.Browse through Our Handbags or Our Accessories to select a creation.

2.Customize and embellish your creation!

3.Mail your fatigues to xxxxxxxxxxxxx : We usually can make 2 handbags with one jacket or pant. If you order accessories with your handbags extra fatigues are not necessary.

Consult our "Celebrate End of Postage Fees" Section for shipping instruction!!!

4.Relax while our team cuts, sews and hand finishes each handbag, here in the USA, with the utmost attention to details, care and passion. Our goal is to ship it within three weeks.

5.Enjoy while supporting a GREAT cause!
(this information is taken directly from their site)

I looked at their creations and can only say WOW! I truly recommend you check out Military Handbags.com.

I received nothing for this post. I just think it is a fabulous site that is doing what it can to help us keep our service men and women close to our hearts.I would also like to thank all of the service men and women for putting their lives on the line so I can live my life in freedom.

Back to the Original (Giveaway)

2011-03-15T06:37:00.015-05:00

At one time I would have rather starved than eat yogurt. I'm not really sure why but I wanted nothing to do with yogurt. Then I broke done and tried it. Boy was I wrong about not liking it. It tasted nothing like I expected. There were lots of flavors and for the most part they all tasted really good.
Now that I am older I have to be more careful about making sure I get the vitamins I need. I have found a great tasting source for these vitamins with newly reformulated Yoplait Original style Yogurt. With 50 percent of the Daily Value of calcium in a convenient 6 ounce cup, Yoplait Original provides me with an easy and delicious way to get the calcium I need. That same 6 ounce cup also has 50 percent of the Daily Value of vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium.
In an effort to further educate women about the importance of maintaining strong, healthy bones through an active lifestyle and a diet rich in calcium, Yoplait is partnering with TV host and celebrity mom Nancy O'Dell on a One Million Cup Giveaway. Visit Yoplait on Facebook to sign up for your free cup and make a personal commitment to meeting your calcium needs each day. You can also enjoy daily calcium tips from Registered Dietitian Katherine Brooking and healthy lifestyle advice from Nancy O'Dell while you are there.
Yoplait Original Style is available in the 6oz cup, 4-cup packs and the easy-to-store 8-cup fridge packs in 23 delicious flavors including Strawberry, French Vanilla, Blackberry Pomegranate and my personal favorite Harvest Peach. Click here to get a printable coupon for $0.75 off your purchase of 4 Yoplait Original yoguart cups.
OK now for the giveaway Yoplait through MyBlogSpark was kind enough to give me a Yoplait Original yogurt gift pack that includes a VIP* coupon for a free sample of Yoplait Original yogurt, a duffel bag, a speed rope, a water bottle and a sport towel. They have also made an identical gift pack available for one of my very lucky readers.

Pretty cool right?

*This coupon offer for Yoplait yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Mandatory entry As a busy Mom tell me what are your biggest challenges to getting enough calcium in your diet.
Extra entries
1) Follow Yoplait on Facebook
2) Follow Yoplait on Twitter
3) Follow my blog as a Google Friend. This counts even if you already are a follower.
4) Follow Me on Twitter
5) Tweet this giveaway using #myblogspark and @Yoplaityogurt. Can be done daily.
Just leave a link to your tweet in your comment

This giveaway will end at 11:59PM on Friday 3/25/2001. Any comment that does not have a contact email address in it will be disqualified. The winner will be drawn using Random.org and will have 48 hours to contact me. A new winner will be drawn if there is no response in the required time. Good luck to everyone.

Disclosure: Other than the gift pack and coupon mentioned in this post, I received no compensation for this review. All of the opinions are mine. Your experience may differ.

We Got a Winner!!!!

2011-03-02T07:30:00.002-06:00

Congrats Independentmami you are my winner.
I had 34 comments and comment number 12 was the winner of the Souper You Progresso Gift pack.

independent mami said...
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/independentmami/status/36694415833694208

Progresso's Souper You Debut (Giveaway) CLOSED

2011-02-11T00:00:00.006-06:00

Growing up we never had Progresso soup. I tried it about 3 years ago and was immediately hooked. I love the home made flavor and the large pieces of veggies and meat. I buy it and take it to work so I have something warm and yummy to eat for lunch. Progresso has 40 delicious flavors with 100 calories or less so it fits right in with that New Years resolution we all make to loose weight and eat healthier.

With this in mind Progresso is excited to announce the return of the "Souper You Debut" contest. From January 3rd through March 16th we can visit Progresso on Facebook to enter the contest. By submitting a 200 or less word essay telling Progresso why you love their 100 calorie or less soups and why you deserve a chance to win a trip to New York. You do need to submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay.

Not one but three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip to New York City from May 20th-22nd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, 2 night stay in a NYC hotel, a full makeover, a guided wardrobe shopping spree with a personal consultation at a New York department store and $1000 in spending money. Pretty sweet.

Progresso through MyBlogSpark provided me with a wonderful gift pack that has a yoga mat, a water bottle, a set of aerobic bands, a sport headband and two sport wristbands to help me get a good start on my road to a healthier weight. They also provided another gift pack that includes everything I received plus a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup to giveaway to one of my readers. Don't want to wait to win this giveaway to taste Progresso soup? Go to Progresso on Facebook and download a coupon for $1.00 off 4 cans.

Mandatory entry: Tell me how you would incorporate Progress Soup into your healthy living plan.

Mandatory entry must be made or any extra entries will be disqualified.

Extra Entries
1) Like Progresso on Facebook and leave a comment.
2) Follow my blog. If you are already a follower it still counts just leave a comment.
3) Follow me on Twitter.
4) Tweet about the giveaway. Can be done daily. Must leave link to tweet in comment.
5) Like me on Facebook and leave a comment.

This giveaway will start on Friday 2/11/11 at 12:00AM and end on Monday 2/28/11 at 11:59PM at which time a winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Disclaimer: I was provided the above mentioned gift pack by Progresso through MyBlogSpark. Any opinions and experiences expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by the receipt of the gift pack. Your experiences may vary.

Get the Dirt

2011-02-10T21:15:00.011-06:00

We all love to sneak a peek at the gossip magazines while we wait in the line at the grocery store. Come on now fess up you know you do. Well Clorox is running a "Get the Dirt but Keep it Clean" sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Hollywood, CA!
Clorox is sharing quick clean-up tips on how to keep fashionable winter whites white, keep flowers fresh longer and how to host a Hollywood-style party.

Want to enjoy those beautiful roses that your sweetie is going to give you for Valentine's Day longer than a celebrity romance? Try this tip. Just add 1/4 teaspoon of Clorox Regular Bleach to each quart of cold water you put in the vase.

Oh no just dropped that chocolate truffle on your new white skirt. What a mess. Try this. Add 3/4 cup of Clorox regular Bleach to the hot water and detergent in your washing machine. It will help get that ugly chocolate stain out.

Want more tips from Clorox Regular Bleach and an opportunity to enter the "Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean sweepstakes go to www.Clorox.com/GetTheDirt.

I received information from The Clorox Company at no cost to me through the One2One Network.

Idol Across America Mobile Experience

2011-01-28T16:01:00.003-06:00

“THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL” CONTEST TO SEND ONE LUCKY WINNER
TO HOLLYWOOD TO APPEAR ON STAGE WITH RYAN SEACREST

In celebration of its much-anticipated 10th season, AMERICAN IDOL will launch IDOL ACROSS AMERICA, a biodiesel-fueled mobile experience tour traveling to 16 cities across the U.S. over a four-week period beginning Wednesday, Jan. 19.

During the mobile tour, visitors who are U.S. residents 15 years of age or older will have the opportunity to record their own take on the “This is AMERICAN IDOL…” introduction made famous by Ryan Seacrest and be entered into a nationwide contest for a chance to win a trip to Hollywood to deliver the famous line on the IDOL stage alongside Ryan! See information below for eligibility, complete rules and more information.

As part of the tour, fans will also have the opportunity to participate in the “Be Your Own Idol” singing experience and pose for photos – which they can pick up online and then upload to their favorite social-networking sites – at the IDOL judges’ table alongside life-size standees of host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

In addition to viewing one-of-a-kind AMERICAN IDOL memorabilia – including framed platinum records, Ryan Seacrest’s suit, Carrie Underwood’s finale dress and David Cook’s guitar – and photos, fans can take a trip down memory lane by watching the special “Welcome Home” documentary that showcases all nine past IDOL winners.

The 10th season of AMERICAN IDOL kicks off with a two-night premiere Wednesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

IDOL ACROSS AMERICA launches at the following locations:

CITY DATE LOCATION
Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, Jan. 19 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Third Street Promenade / Santa Monica
Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, Jan. 19 5:00-9:00 PM - LA Live / Downtown Los Angeles
San Diego, CA Wednesday, Jan. 26 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Seaport Village
San Diego, CA Wednesday, Jan. 26 6:00 PM-9:00 PM - Gaslamp District
CITY DATE
San Diego, CA Wednesday, Jan. 26
Phoenix, AZ Friday, Jan. 28
Houston, TX Wednesday, Feb. 2
Dallas, TX Saturday, Feb. 5
Dallas, TX (Superbowl XLV) Sunday, Feb. 6
New Orleans, LA Tuesday, Feb. 8
Birmingham, AL Thursday, Feb. 10
Chicago, IL Sunday, Feb. 13
Nashville, TN Tuesday, Feb. 15
Atlanta, GA Thursday, Feb. 17
Charlotte, NC Friday, Feb. 18
Washington, D.C. Sunday, Feb. 20
Baltimore, MD Tuesday, Feb. 22
Philadelphia, PA Wednesday, Feb. 23
New York, NY Thursday, Feb. 24
New York, NY Friday, Feb. 25
Boston, MA Saturday, Feb. 26

Stay with americanidol.com to follow IDOL ACROSS AMERICA as it makes its way around the country and also for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

Other CSN Giveaways Going On Now

2011-01-27T17:23:00.002-06:00

$35 CSN gift certificate at The Frugal Scrappin Mammaw. Ends 1/31

CSN Store Giveaway - CLOSED

2011-01-26T12:20:00.005-06:00

With over 200 online stores ranging from modern office furniture to cookware to a new bed for Fido CSN Stores has it all. When we were kids we used to get catalogs in the mail and we would spend hours searching for just the right thing to ask for. Now I spend that time online in the CSN stores doing the same thing. There are so many great items that are very reasonably priced it is hard to pick which one to get. I am worse than a kid in a candy store.

Well CSN wants my readers to have a chance to have their day in the "candy store". I have a $15 gift certificate to give one lucky reader.

To win just leave a comment telling me what you would choose from the CSN Stores.
Make sure you leave you email address in the comment so I can let you know that you have won.

Want some more chances?
1) become a blog follower
2) tweet about the giveaway (can be done once daily leave a separate comment with the link to your tweet)
3) follow me on Twitter

This giveaway will start on Wednesday 1/26/2011 and end at 11:59 PM on Friday 2/4/2011. Good luck to everyone and happy shopping.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. All statements are my own opinions. Yours may vary.

Giveaways in the World of Blogs

2011-01-23T19:59:00.004-06:00

Win a $100 Target gift Card at Cincinnati Coupons

Here is a quick one: Win a Chex party Mix Gift Pack from The Icefairy Treasure Chest. Ends 1/25

Tired of hauling all those coupons wrapped in a rubberband? Win a Couponizer from 2 Boys+1 Girl = A Crazy Mom. Ends 1/28

CMT Premieres New Series

2011-01-21T17:17:00.007-06:00

"
CMT(Country Music TV) is going to premier it's first scripted series "Working Class" on Friday January 28 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT.

Through One2One Network I was able to watch a "sneak preview". I think this show is going to be a real winner. It is funny, has great stars and is a show you can let you youngest children watch without being afraid of what they may see or hear.

The new 12 episode, multi-camera series follows Carli Mitchell (Melissa Peterman), a single mom from a rough and tumble background, trying to give her three kids a better life by moving them to an upscale suburb. She quickly finds that making the transition to “the good life” is harder than she thought. She's unwittingly befriended by her cranky neighbor, Hank (Ed Asner), her only “career” prospect is a glorified deli job at the local grocery store, and the man she falls for not only already has a girlfriend – but he’s also her boss, Rob (Patrick Fabian). With her ladies-man brother, Nick (Steve Kazee), to help her out (when he’s not acting like one of the kids himself), Carli faces the challenges of parenting, dating, and making friends in her new community by doing more with less, staying true to herself and approaching each day with a touch of working class.

The complete cast includes:

Melissa Peterman – “Carli Mitchell”

Ed Asner – “Hank Greziak,” Carli’s neighbor.

Steve Kazee – “Nick Garrett,” Carli’s brother.

Patrick Fabian – “Rob Parker,” Carli’s boss and love interest.

Lachlan Buchahan – “Scott Mitchell,” Carli’s eldest son.

Courtney Merritt – “Pam Mitchell,” Carli’s daughter.

Cameron Castaneda – “Will Mitchell,” Carli’s youngest son.

The show also plans to feature multiple guest stars such as Reba, David Faustino, Kathy Kinney, Martin Mull, John Schneider, Ryan Stiles, Lesley Ann Warren and CMT's very own Evan Farmer from CMT Top 20 Countdown throughout the season.

Disclaimer I received a link to preview "Working Class" through my membership in the One@One Network. Other than being entered in a giveaway I received no compensation for my opinion.

Secret Santa Gift Exchange

2010-09-28T17:37:00.003-05:00

Remember how much fun it is to have and be a Secret Santa? Survey Junkie and Simply Stacie are giving us the opportunity to enjoy that fun this year. They are setting up their "Surprise Me! Secret Santa Gift Exchange" right now. They have set a limit of $15 (not including shipping) for the exchange, which is very reasonable. If you are interested in participating just click on the Secret Santa button on my sidebar.
When you get to Simply Stacie's post just fill out the entry form and you will be added to the list. After filling out the form and submitting it, grab the button to post on your blog and spread the word. I participated in 2 Christmas swaps last year and had a ball. Just remember the sign up closes on Wednesday October 6.

After the sign up closes they will send you an email with the "Who, What, When and Where" information. Go sign up. Who knows you may meet your next best friend.

Yoplait Splitz Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

2010-09-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

I do honestly believe that other than the Greek Yogurt there is nothing that Yoplait has introduced that I don't like. They have come out with a new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Yes you heard me IT TASTES LIKE A SUNDAE. Just think here is a treat that provides all the goodness of 100% yogurt, is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, has no artificial flavors or sweeteners, has no high fructose corn syrup and the best part is only 90 little calories.

There are 3 great flavor combinations: Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split and my favorite Rainbow Sherbet. They are great just out of the frig but for a real treat pop them into the freeze for a few hours and enjoy a cup of really authentic frozen yogurt.YUMMMMMM.

Yoplait through MyBlogSpark was nice enough to send me a coupon for a free sample of the new Yoplait Splitzs and a prize pack that includes an insulated carry tote and a roll up fleece picnic blanket. Because I love sherbet ice cream, I had to try the Rainbow Sherbet Yoplait Splitz and I have to say it was great. Although summer has almost given way to fall in most of the country here in Texas it just refuses to let go, so I will be stopping at my grocery's refrigerated dairy section to stock up on these luscious treats to have on those toasty afternoons when nothing but ice cream will do.

Yoplait through MyBlogSpark has also provided a coupon and prize pack just like mine for one of my readers.

For your chance to win here is what you can do:

1) Tell me which of the 3 flavors you think you would like to try first.

2) Like Yoplait on Facebook and leave a comment on the wall.

3) Follow my blog.

4) Follow Yoplait on Twitter.

5) Follow The Loca Loba on Twitter.

6) Tweet about the giveaway can be done daily.

The giveaway ends on Friday 10/1/10 at 11:59PM at which time the winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email that I send.

Can't wait to try Yoplait Splitz? Click here to get a coupon* for $0.75 off any flavor.
*This coupon is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Tennesse.

Disclosure: The Yoplait Splitz coupon, my prize pack, information and the prize packfor thr giveaway were provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpot. All comments are my opinions. Your experience with this product my vary.

5 Favorite Family Times

2010-08-24T16:48:00.003-05:00

Because we want the kids to learn to use their imagination we don't always plunk them down in front of the TV or the Wii to keep them busy. Here are 5 things that we have done as a family.
1) We got several very large sheets of corrugated box material and built a house inside our house. We cut out windows and doors. We actually made it big enough that there were rooms inside. You had to go through the inside house to get from the living room to the kitchen. We ate meals in the house and let the kids sleep there overnight.
We left it up for about a week and you have never seen such long faces when it finally had to come down.
2) We have taken old sheets and hung them across the clotheslines to make a tent for the kids to play in.
3) We have them take turns at bedtime reading a story to the family.
4) We have movie night and they take turns picking the movie we watch and the snack that we will have.
5) Sometimes we just decide to go for a walk, just to see what we can find. I make a list of flowers, trees, animals, and bugs for them to look for and who ever finds the most gets to stay up a little longer than the others.

What do you do with your family to create family time?

Disclaimer
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and LEGO blogging program, making me eligible to get a prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

5 Important Lessons

2010-08-17T15:23:00.002-05:00

What 5 important lessons have you been teaching your children as they are growing up? Don't talk to strangers? Say please and thank you? Treat everyone with respect? These are just a few of the many lessons our parents taught us and that we are or should be teaching our children. Here are my 5.
1) Don't talk to strangers. With the way the world is today this is possibly the most important lesson you can teach your child. Don't talk to anyone you don't know unless your mommy or daddy are with you. Don't get in a car or go with a stranger unless your mommy or daddy are with you. You don't want to have a child that is afraid of everyone and everything but you do what a child that is cautious.
2) Be polite. Say please if you want something and say thank you if someone gives you something. Also say your welcome if someone thanks you. I don't know how many times I have thanked someone and there is no acknowledgment.
3) Never approach a strange animal. You never know how friendly or frightened an animal may be. If they are hurt or frightened you could get bit or worse.
4) Save part of your money. It's never too soon to teach a child to save. Even if it is only pennies. Get them a bank of some kind and help them learn to put part of the money they receive into the bank knowing that once it is in the bank they can't take it out.
5) Never be afraid to come to Mommy or Daddy with any concerns or problems. Someone is bullying you. You did something you know is wrong. You may get in trouble but know that no matter what you do we love you and will be there for you.

Want to see what others think are 5 Important Lessons? Check out this link http://nannymcphee.twittermoms.com/about

Disclaimer: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Nanny McPhee Returns blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card.

The Zhu-niverse Tour 2010

2010-07-07T12:14:00.004-05:00

In case you haven't heard the Zhu Zhu Pets are taking their show on the road. Yes they are coming to a city near you.

Here is a list of the remaining stops on the Zhu-niverse Tour 2010:

Taste of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Saturday - Sunday, July 10-11
New England Sand Sculpting Festival, Boston, MA (Revere, MA)
Friday - Sunday, July 16-18
QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, Trenton, NJ (Readington, NJ)
Friday - Sunday, July 23-25
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Friday - Sunday, July 30-August 1
Maryland Zoo, Baltimore, MD (Washington, D.C.)
Saturday - Sunday, August 7-8
State Fair of West Virginia, Charleston, WV (Lewisburg, WV)
Friday - Sunday, August 13-15
Streets at Southpoint, Raleigh, NC
Saturday - Sunday, August 21-22
Summerfest, Charlotte, NC (York, SC)
Saturday, August 28
GeckoFest, Tampa, FL (Gulfport, FL)
Saturday, September 4
Yellow Daisy Festival, Atlanta, GA (Stone Mountain, GA)
Friday - Sunday, September 10-12
GrapeFest, Dallas, TX (Grapevine, TX)
Friday - Sunday, September 17-19
Fortbend County Fair, Houston, TX (Rosenberg, TX)
Saturday - Sunday, September 25-26
TBD, CA
Saturday - Sunday, October 2-3
Wildlife World Zoo, Phoenix, AZ (Litchfield Park, AZ)
Friday - Sunday, October 8-10

There is an adult-size habitarail to explore. There are also tables with the various Zhu Zhu Pets including the new Kung Zhu line. The kids can go through a Kung Zhu training grounds to test their talents. All in all it sounds like a fun time for young and old.

So mark your calender. You can bet I am. Get ready to see your favorite Zhu Zhu in person and see the new Zhu Zhu Flo Dance performed.

Let The Party Begin

2010-06-29T08:37:00.008-05:00

With one of the biggest weekends of the summer fast approaching, it's time to think about safe and sober driving. With the Fourth of July on a Sunday this year it could mean for a lot of us a 3 day weekend, which is one more day to picnic, go boating, swimming and watch or shoot off fireworks. It's also one more day to have a few brews.

There will be so many people on the road this weekend and there will be many that are "just buzzed". What is just buzzed you may ask. Just buzzed is that slight tingly relaxed feeling you get after a few drinks. Even if you have only had a few drinks it can affect your reaction time. It slows your response. It can cause you to have an accident.

Here are 4 steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road this weekend.
1) Designate a sober driver before you leave for your Fourth of July events.
2) Be ready and willing to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi.
3) Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.
4) Call 9-1-1 if you see an impaired driver on the road. You could be saving some one's life.

Remember that even if you aren't drinking and driving there will be others that are.
In 2008 there were 491 fatal traffic accidents over the Fourth of July Holiday period and not all of the victims were drinking. Many were innocent young children just like yours.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council are continuing in their effort to remind people that "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving". Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but don't consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had "only a few" drinks. Sadly a buzzed driving crash looks just like a drunk driving crash and have the same consequences.

DON'T BE A STATISTIC.

I was provided this information by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ad Council through Gobal Influence and will be entered into a drawing for a gift card for my participation.

Pound for Pound Giveaway Winner

2010-06-25T07:27:00.005-05:00

There were 119 comments on the Pound for Pound Challenge giveaway of a $30 Kroger giveaway. I want to thank everyone who commented and everyone who decided to make a pledge.
Now for what you all have been waiting for...Drum roll please....
The winner is...comment number 34 - jenspurg. I will be emailing you shortly and you have until Monday 6/28/2010 at 9:00AM to respond or I will have to give it to someone else.
Congratulations to my winner.

My Pledge

2010-06-21T17:22:00.003-05:00

Well I am trying to live up to my Pound for Pound pledge. As of today I have lost 3 pounds. Wish me luck on the 27 other pounds that I pledged. Every one gone is sooooo good.

Solo Online Photo Contest

2010-06-16T16:54:00.020-05:00

With a summer of picnics, graduations, weddings and birthdays there will be many opportunities to use Solo products to cut down on Mom's clean up time. These occasions are all golden opportunities for fabulous photo memories. The Solo Cup Company has launched their second annual online photo contest.

To enter visit and log in to www.SoloCups4ever.com and follow the instructions to upload your photo and caption for the promotion. The entries must include an identifiable Solo Squared cup, plate or bowl, Solo Grips Cup, Solo Ultra Color Cup, or Solo's Straight Walled Cup, to be determined by the judges and at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. The promotion is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States who are 18 years old or older.
You can enter your favorite photos until August 6, 2010.

There will be daily winners, weekly winners, 2 runner up winners, and a Grand prize winner, so you have a lot of chances to win. Up to 15 daily winners will be chosen Monday thru Friday and win a coupon for a free pack of Solo products. There will be 2 weekly winners chosen from the pool of daily winners who will win a $100 gift card to the store of their choice. One weekly winner will be chosen by the sponsor and the other one by popular vote. The weekly winners will be featured in a winners gallery.

The Grand prize and 2 runner up winners will be chosen from the pool of daily and weekly winners. The Grand Prize winner will by chosen by the contest judges and will win $5000. Now who couldn't use an extra $5000?
One of the runner ups will be chosen by the judges and the other one will be chosen by the registered contest users. Oh by the way the 2 runner ups...win $1000 each; which isn't too shabby either.

I'm going to start going through my summer time fun photos to start entering to try to win that $5000. You should too. All it take is a little time and imagination.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. However I will be entered into a separate contest at MomSelect for a $250 Visa gift card.

Spa and Golf Vacation Giveaway

2010-06-16T16:47:00.001-05:00

I just entered a Spa & Golf Vacation Giveaway and I wanted you to have a chance to win too!

All you need to do to enter is to click the link below or copy and paste it into your favorite Internet browser:

http://www.8trilliondollarindustry.com/giveaway?ref=35294685

Be sure to read the email you receive after you register. You'll get your own unique link that you can use to earn even more entries in the drawing!

Pound for Pound Challenge (CLOSED)

2010-06-15T00:01:00.003-05:00

How many of you have watched "The Biggest Loser" on TV and thought "I can do that"?
I have but as they say "Talk is cheap". It's all well and good to think this while we are watching the show but how many of us have actually made the effort to do it? I haven't and lord knows I need to lose the weight.

The Kroger Co. Family of Stores, General Mills, NBC's hit TV show "The Biggest Loser" and other key sponsors are partnering to donate up to $1,080,000 to Feeding America this year.

The way this works is you go to http://www.pfpchallenge.com/Kroger to make your pledge to lose weight. For every pound pledged 14 cents will be donated to Feeding America. That 14 cents is enough to deliver 1 pound of food to a local food bank. You are able to choose the food bank you want your pledge to go to. By participating you are making a change that not only helps you but can help the hungry in your local community. Pledges will be accepted through June 30, 2010 so hurry over and start working on that change. I made my pledge. How about you?

If you have watched The Biggest Loser, you have seen several General Mills products featured. Some examples are Yoplait Greek Yogurt, Total and Multigrain Cheerios all of which are available at the Kroger Family of Stores, who is an official supplier of the Biggest Loser Ranch.

The Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through My Blog Spark has generously given me a $30 Kroger gift card to help me on my way to meeting my pledge. They are also going to give one of my readers a $30 Kroger gift card.

Here is how you can win:
Although I would love for you to make a pledge, I am not going to require a pledge for an entry.
1) Tell me how you would spread the word about the Pound for Pound Challenge.
2) Follow my Blog.
3) Blog about the giveaway (+5 entries)(must make comment for each entry).
4) Follow me on Twitter.
5) Tweet about the giveaway - can be done daily.(provide your link).

This giveaway will start on Tuesday 6/15/2010 at 12:01AM and end on Thursday 6/24/2010 at 11:59PM. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have until 9:00AM on Monday 6/28/2010 to respond.
Your email must be included in your comment so I can contact you or it will be disqualified if chosen.

DISCLOSURE:Although a $30 Kroger gift card and the information about the challenge were provided to me by The Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through My Blog Spark, any and all opinions stated are my own.

Thank Them and Keep Them Safe

2010-06-14T11:19:00.001-05:00

Take Time to Give Thanks to Those Who Give All

2010-05-25T17:15:00.006-05:00

I know Memorial Day isn't until Monday but I hope everyone will watch this video and pass it on to their friends.

On the opening page is this message:

This Veterans Day take time to remember those in the armed forces on active duty, the reservists or service members who have fallen in the line of duty. Think about the law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personal, individuals involved in national defense. Think of the fearless men and women who put on a uniform everyday to make freedom possible - Because there are no freedoms without those willing to fight for them.

Enjoy Memorial Day but remember the reason we are celebrating and give thanks for the men and women who gave so we can have.

Make The Girls Happy With Playtex Bra Makeover

2010-05-18T15:33:00.005-05:00

Do you like so many of us just buy a bra that seems to be the right size? Well Playtex wants to help us find our right size. Playtex has launched a site where we can go and apply for a bra makeover or even nominate a friend for one. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York City to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Alison is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply now for your chance to win. The last day to apply is Friday May 21, 2010.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode where a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on
www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two weeks.

You only have a few days left to take advantage of this great opportunity so hurry over and apply.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. All opinions and thoughts are my own. By posting this information, I am entered in a contest to win a free bra from Playtex.

New Giveaways

2010-05-15T15:33:00.006-05:00

Got a child that just loves horses? Win the new Flicka 2 DVD at Minnesota Mamma. There will be 2 winners. The giveaway ends 5/19.

Remember the wrestler who went by the name "The Rock"? Well he is starring in a new movie called "The Tooth Fairy" as the Tooth Fairy - tutu and all. Win your own copy from Minnesota Mamma. This has got to be a great family comedy. The giveaway ends on 5/19 and there will be 2 winners.

What a great Father's Day gift for grandpa or dad. Simply Stacie is having a giveaway for a digital photo key chain that comes with a stand so it can be displayed on his desk. It can also be engraved with up to 3 lines with 11 characters per line. This giveaway ends 5/21.

Looking for a graduation gift for a special young lady? Enter the Family Treasure's Charm Factory bracelet giveaway. Ends 5/19

Giveaways in the World of Blogs

2010-05-11T23:39:00.005-05:00

A Happy Hippy Mom has a great giveaway for that hard to buy for man in your life. She is giving away an 18 X 24 poster with your choice of picture from Digital Room. The giveaway ends 5/27.

Garden Swap Goodies

2010-05-04T18:22:00.004-05:00

There have been Halloween Swaps, Christmas Swaps and many other holiday swaps, but Julie at Engine 3 came up with a unique "Garden Swap". We filled out a survey about ourselves and our gardening then waited to be partnered with a perfect match. My partner is Yona at My Name is Yona Williams and I Write.
She sent me a much needed hand trimmer and an assortment of flower and veggie seeds. I haven't ever seen the cucumbers she sent me before and can't wait to see how they will fair in the hot Texas sun. She even sent me some seeds for some Texas sized pumpkins.

Thank you Yona for the great gifts. Thank you Julie for having this garden swap, it was a lot of fun.

New Giveaways on the Web

2010-05-02T12:55:00.003-05:00

Win a pair of Jolly Garden Clogs from One Savy Mom. Ends 5/14

Still don't have a Wii? Win one from One Savy Mom. Ends 5/14

Earth Day Everyday

2010-04-22T00:01:00.005-05:00

Today is Earth Day. The day everyone professes to be "living green". When I see all the free stuff that is being given away for Earth Day I wonder if we are really know what Earth Day is. It's a day set aside to make us aware of the damage we are doing to the world we live in and what we must do to stop the damage. It seems like a lot of people only see it as a day they can get lots of "free" stuff.

Now I am not opposed to free stuff but I think we need to think about what kind of future we are leaving for our children.

Earth Day is a good thing because it does bring awareness but I believe we should try to carry the idea with us everyday. Reusable bags became a hot item last year, but how many of us still use them? I try to use them but must confess there are days I jump out of the truck and don't bother to grab them. I do keep them in the truck so the old I left them at home excuse doesn't fly. I just have to work harder on using them instead of getting the plastic bags that the stores have.

As my light bulbs burn out I am switching them for the CFL bulbs, so that is one good thing I am doing. I read that if every American replaced just 1 incandescent light bulb with a CFL bulb we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year. Now that is impressive. As I have to replace appliances I will only consider "Energy Star". I have planted some fruit trees that now are helping clean the air. I am planting a garden and will be freezing what I can out of it.

As I drive to work I see fields that used to have lots of trees in them totally bare.They are being cleared to build new homes. I understand the need for more homes but someone needs to think about what those trees do for the air quality. I sure don't want my kids to have to wear a gas mask to be able to play outside because the air is so bad. I want my kids to be able to go outside without checking some site to see if the air is breathable today.

If you don't like the taste of or are afraid of what might be in your tap water, buy a PUR or a Brita water pitcher. They both work really well and will save the landfills from the milliions of plastic water bottles we insist on buying. Brita has a filter that you can install on your tap. Everyone rants and raves how wonderful and pure bottled water is when in reality it come from the same ground supply as your tap water. It just gets filtered better.

We all need to carry the Earth Day mentality with us everyday not just on April 22 because if we don't the day will come that there is no Earth to try to save.

2010-04-21T19:36:00.002-05:00

Win a Bryan Foods Gift pack that includes a sweatshirt, cap, apron, skewers and coupons for free Bryan products from Big Easy Mom. Ends 4/25

Danger for Pets

2010-04-16T07:46:00.003-05:00

I just got this in an email and wanted to share it with you. Spring has us all outside planting flowers and spiffing up our yards. All of us dog and cat owners need to read this.

Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog
(Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Halfway through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's web site,

This product is HIGHLY TOXIC to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."

Snopes.com site gives the following information:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later.
Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Bunches of Great Giveaways

2010-04-03T12:35:00.007-05:00

2 winners in "Deal"ectible Mommies giveaway for a Robby Wash laundry ball. Ends 4/16

Do you take your dog camping with you? Doggies and Stuff is having a giveaway for a Kakadu Pet Adventure Mat. A comfy mat for your dog to sleep on. Ends 4/16

Tired of that plain old black umbrella? Go to Latina on a Mission and check out her giveaway for a Urban Trim Squidarella Umbrella. This bad boy changes color as it get wet. You have to see the video. This giveaway ends 4/10.

Win not 1, not 2 but 6 bottles of Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash at Latina on a Mission. Ends 4/11

Great Giveaways

2010-03-26T20:02:00.002-05:00

Mommy Kat and Kids is hosting a giveaway for Soapnuts the ultimate green laundry cleaner. Ends 3/31

How Will You Celebrate St Paddy's Day?

2010-03-14T14:46:00.005-05:00

St Patrick's Day is celebrated world wide with parades, wearn' o the green, eating corned beef and cabbage and drinking green beer. Are you planning to go out with friends this Wednesday to celebrate? Have you decided who in the group is going to be the designated driver? Not going out to celebrate? Did you know that even if you don't plan on drinking on St Patrick's Day your life can still be in danger from all of the drivers who have been? In 2008, 1179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. A buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash and it causes the same pain to a family who lose a loved one. I hate to say it but I was one of those buzzed-drivers more than once. I was lucky that I didn't hurt or kill myself or someone else. I have learned that even 1 or 2 drinks can impair your judgment and reactions. Fortunately I didn't have to learn it the hard way. I am joining Global Influence in their work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council to remind people that BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI.
http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign.php#video

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and on Twitter @Buzzeddriving.

Plan ahead and ask your loved one to do the same thing. Don't become a statistic.

REMEMBER: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

This information was provided through my membership in Global Influence, NHTSA and the Ad Council.

Giveaways in the Blogshere

2010-03-13T15:00:00.004-06:00

It's not to early to think about dear old Dad...what are you going to get him for Father's Day? How about a Football Snack Bowl? Well Life with 5 Monkies is having a giveaway for one. Ends 3/23

Barefoot Mommies has hooked up with Fairtale Browines for an awesome giveaway. Who would not love to win some mouthwatering brownies? Hurry over for your chance. Ends 3/28.

Yoplait Frozen Smoothie Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

2010-03-10T07:19:00.014-06:00

According to Webster a smoothie is "a creamy beverage made with fruit, milk or yogurt." That does describe a smoothie physically but mentally not so much. A smoothie is a visit to a tropical beach where you are laying in a hammock under a palm tree with a glass of heaven in your hand and "Hector" is fanning you gently with a huge palm branch. It is that pick me up that lets you drift off to your beach when the day is going so bad.

Yoplait has combined its delicious yogurt with real fruit for a revolutionary frozen smoothie kit that goes from your freezer to fabulous in seconds. Each smoothie serving contains one full serving of fruit with Live & Active Cultures and is an excellent source of Antioxidant Vitamin C. It come in 3 wonderful flavors: Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Mango Pineapple and my favorite Triple Berry.

Yoplait and My BlogSpark gave me a gift pack of a coupon for a free package of Yoplait Frozen Smoothies and a blender to make the smoothies. I decided to have "Smoothie Friday" at work and got 2 packages of Yoplait Frozen Smoothies and a quart of skim milk. We made smoothies on Friday afternoon and everyone loved them. My boss - a guy - had never had one before and really like his. They are so simple to make just put 1 cup of milk and the package into a blender, hit the button and voila you have a very thick delicious drink that has great flavor and only 110 calories. One package make 2 smoothies, one for you and one to share.
So lets recap: Yoplait Frozen Smoothie = 1 full serving of fruit (which you know you aren't consuming the recommended daily amount), good source of calcium from the milk, and a source of antioxidant vitamin C that tastes really great. WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE.

Yoplait and My BlogSpark also gave me a gift pack to give to one of my readers. If you don't want to wait for the giveaway to try Yoplait Frozen Smoothies here is a coupon for $1.25 off a package.
Now for the giveaway. Tell me if you make smoothies at home and if you do what is your favorite flavor.
Your email must be in your comment or it will be disqualified.
EXTRA ENTRIES
1) Follow my blog
2) Follow me on Twitter.
3) Tweet about this giveaway can be done daily but must post link with each comment.
4) Blog about this giveaway - 5 entries

This giveaway will end on Wednesday 3/17 at 11:59pm at which time I will draw the winner with Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be drawn. Good Luck everyone.

I was given a coupon for a FREE package of Yoplait Frozen Smoothies, a blender and information about Yoplait Frozen Smoothies By Yoplait and My BlogSpark to do this review. I was also given a gift pack to giveaway. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Here are some Great giveaways

2010-03-06T06:36:00.002-06:00

Win a Zuvo Water Filtration counter top system at Audrey's Give Aways. Ends 3/19

Win 2 b.happybags reusable shopping bags at Cake Mom. 4 lucky winners. Ends 3/9

P&G brandSaver coupon book

2010-03-04T15:42:00.008-06:00

Here's a heads up in this Sunday's paper - March 7th - Procter & Gamble will release it's biggest brandSaver coupon booklet ever, with more than $160 in savings!!
This booklet will be included in newspapers delivered to more than 55 million homes.

Plus for every coupon redeemed, P&G will provide one day's worth of clean drinking water to a child in need through the Children's Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program, which is P&G's philanthropic cause aimed at saving lives by providing clean drinking water to children in developing countries.

It will feature coupons for PUR Water Filtration, Gillette, Pantene, Tide, Venus, Olay, Pampers, Febreeze and Swiffer just to name a few.

Click here to find the local paper carrying your $160 in savings and help make a difference.

Thru my membership in the One2One Network I was provided this information to pass on to you. No compensation other then the good feeling when I help someone was received for this post.

We have a Winner

2010-03-02T12:35:00.002-06:00

I had 16 comments for my Teddy's Pride giveaway and Random.org chose number 1.
Here is the winning comment:
"My dog is an 8 year old min pin named Puppy. But there are 6 others here. And way too many cats to add."
Congratulations Linda you are my winner. I have sent you an email and am waiting to hear from you in 48 hours.

Pimp My Laundry Room

2010-03-01T16:57:00.004-06:00

Tired of doing laundry in that old dark damp laundry room that hubby keeps promising to fix up but never seems to find the time? Well Wisk is coming to your rescue.
Wish is teaming up with TV's Designing Spaces to pimp-out one laundry room that really desperately needs a face-lift as a part of the Wisk Pimp My Laundry Room video contest.
All you have to do is shoot a short video explaining why you deserve a laundry room makeover and enter it between March 1 and March 29, 2010 at www.LaundryHE.com.
The top Finalists will be featured on www.LaundryHE.com from April 12-19 and the Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by popular vote so make sure you get all your friends and family online and voting. Also a vote is an automatic entry into a sweepstakes for a year's supply of Wisk HE Laundry Detergent and who couldn't use free laundry detergent.
The winner will have Wisk and their partners-in-design, Whirlpool's DreamLaundry Solutions team lead by Bill Thomas and Emily Johnson, owner of the interior designs firm EJ Interiors and founder of Material Girls Blog show up at their door. They will change your drab laundry room to fad with the help of a new Whirlpool High Efficiency (HE) washer/dryer set and a years worth of Wisk HE Laundry Detergent. Best of all the winner will get to star in her very own episode of Designing Spaces.
So grab your camers and start making the winning video.
GOOD LUCK to everyone.

I am partnering with BSM Media to let you know about this contest and will be entered into a seperate contest for a year's supply of Wisk.

Giveaways in the Blogsphere.

2010-02-27T11:12:00.006-06:00

Win a Waterpik Sensonic Professional Toothbrush from The Bragging Mommy. Giveaway ends on March 5 at 10:00AM.

Get your $25 Kroger card right here at Mom"s Focus on Cyber World. Ends March 12.

MMMMMMMMMM Pure Maple Syurp you just can't beat the taste. Win a Coombs Family Farms maple syrup gift pack that includes maple syrup, maple candy and maple sugar from The Groschen Goblins. Ends March 10.

Sure and wouldn't you be wanting to win a Charm Factory Irish charm on a black silk cord necklace from The Groschen Goblins. Ends March 10.

Win a beautiful Jewelry By Jacoby Celtic Knot bracelet from The Groschen Goblins. Ends March 10

Teddy's Pride Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

2010-02-22T16:59:00.006-06:00

My name is Amos and I have bad breath. There I said it. When mom comes home and I try to give her a kiss she sometimes backs away with a funny look on her face. I try to be carefully what I eat but hey I'm a dog we eat lots of stuff we shouldn't.
A while back Mom gave me some canned dog food and it had some kind of powder on it. Now the only time I get canned food is when she is trying to slip me some medicine but like I said we eat most anything that comes even close to our mouths so it was gone before she could change her mind. It didn't taste bad. The next night I got my regular old dry food but it had that powder on it too. The last month or so she has been putting this powder on my food and I have noticed that when I try to give her a kiss she doesn't back away or make that funny face anymore. She even lets me kiss her every now and then.
I heard her talking the other day and she said she had gotten some Teddy's Pride Oral Care to try out. She said it was 100% natural and would gently clean and whiten my teeth in addition to getting rid of my bad breath. She said it has no taste or odor which I can say is true.
She said it has ProBiora3 probiotics in it that are specially formulated to address the oral care needs of pets. She said it was safe for all dogs and those other four legged fur balls CATS. It is also made in the USA and is backed by 25 years of scientific research.
You can win a 60 day supply right here or if you can't wait you can buy a 60 day supply of Teddy's Pride Oral Care here for $24.95 which is just pennies a day for better breath.

OK here is what you have to do to win.
1) Tell my mom if you have a dog or cat and their name.
2) Follow my mom's blog
3) Follow my mom on Twitter.
4) Follow Teddy's Pride on Twitter.
5) Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily - must have link to tweet.
6) Blog about this giveaway with a link to this giveaway and Teddy's Pride- 5 entries - must put 5 comments to count as 5
Your email address must be in each comment or that comment will be deleted.

This giveaway will start at 12:01AM on Tuesday 2/23 and end at 11:59PM on Tuesday 3/2 at which time the winner will be drawn by Random.org. The winner will be email and will have 48 hours to respond.

My mom was given the opportunity to review this product because of her membership at The Product Review Place.
Receiving this product at no charge in no way influenced the opinions of any parties involved in this review.

Winner

2010-02-22T09:08:00.002-06:00

I have a winner and here is the winning comment:

"I now follow OLPC on Twitter as @shortoncents lvn777 at charter dot net."

I had 26 entries and number 12 was the winner.
I will be sending you an email shortly and you will have 48 hours to respond.
Congratulations.

New Giveaways I Found

2010-02-21T17:59:00.003-06:00

Win a $50 gift certificate for Dog is Good from Annies Home. ends 3/9

Giveaways I Found

2010-02-17T09:48:00.004-06:00

Win 500 business cards from Uprinting and Amanda at Mommy Mandy.

Some Great giveaways

2010-02-12T15:34:00.009-06:00

Win a beautiful Flirty Lasso necklace from Jennifer at The Dirty Shirt. Giveaway ends 2/21.

Win some yummy Fairytale Brownies from Jamie at Cake Mom. Her giveaway ends 2/21

Win a HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart All-in-One printer from 5 Minutes for Mom. Giveaway ends 2/26.

Win the "Amilia" DVD at Tiars & Tantrums. 5 WINNERS in a giveaway that ends 3/6.

Win a 3-way tin of The Big Popper popcorn from Terra at Heck of a Bunch. The giveaway ends 2/20.

Win your choice of a Shannon Barcic Designs hand stamped personalized key chain or necklace from J. Leigh Designz. Ends 3/5

Win & Give a Laptop - CLOSED

2010-02-12T00:01:00.005-06:00

How would you like to win a laptop computer for your child? Better yet how would you like to help a child in Africa get one too? Well Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks has teamed up with One Laptop per Child to make this happen.
One Laptop per Child is an organization that creates educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low cost, low power connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful self-empowering learning. Here is a short video that show the great work that One Laptop per Child is doing in Africa.

Now through May 30, 2010 one laptop will be awarded to a U.S. winner and for each U.S. winner another laptop will be donated to a child in Africa. In specially marked boxes of your children's favorite fruit flavored snacks - including Fruit Roll-Ups, Gushers, Fruit by the Foot and Stickerz & Shapes - there will be a unique online code. This code simply needs to be entered on www.WinOneGiveOne.com to see if you are a winner

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark sent me a box of Fruit by the Foot and a box of Fruit Roll-Ups so I could try my luck at winning a laptop. MyBlogSpark also made a $25 donation to One Laptop per Child on my behalf. They generously gave me 2 boxes of fruit flavored snacks so one of my lucky readers could have their chance to win. MyBlogSpark will also make a $25 dontaion on my winner's behalf.

The first and mandatory entry is:
Share what you have done to encourage your children to help others.

For extra entries that are valid only if the mandatory entry is done.

1) Post this giveaway on your Blog --- 5 entries
2) Follow me on Twitter --- 1 entry
3) Tweet about the giveaway --- can be done daily link must be posted with comment
4) Follow OTPC on Twitter --- 1 entry
5) Email 5 friends and cc me at alocaloba@gmail.com --- 1 entry

Your e-mail contact must be in your comments so I can contact you when you win.

This giveaway starts at 12:01 AM on Friday 2/12/2010 and will end at 11:59PM on Sunday 2/21/2010.
The winner will be drawn by Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond. Good Luck everyone.

Although Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark provided product for me to review, all opinions are my own.

God Speed White Wolf

2010-02-09T19:16:00.004-06:00

2 years ago in the wee hours of the morning of February 10, I lost a very important person in my life...my Dad. He was my go to guy for support no matter what the problem.
That Christmas I debated about going home. I really didn't have the money but something kept telling me you need to go. So I did. My sister who lives in Georgia was able to come too so we were all home. We took a picture because we don't all get home every year not knowing it would be the last one with my Dad in it. When it was time to come back to Houston and we were saying our goodbyes, I knew in my heart that this would be the last Christmas we would spend together. I hugged him and told him that I loved him.
In January my neice had her first baby. The day they took the baby out to my Dad's house to introduce her to her great grandpa an eagle landed in one of the trees in the front yard. I know you are thinking so what? Well my Dad was really fasinated by Native American lore and the eagle is a very sacred being. The eagle is believed to help the Shaman on his journey to the land of the Gods. In all of the years that I lived in Iowa I have never seen one single eagle. Within 3 weeks I got a call from my sister saying that Daddy was in the hospital and they really didn't know what was wrong. I told her to keep me up to date and after hanging up the phone got the most powerful feeling that I had to go home now.
I got a flight and when I got to Iowa went directly to the hospital. He was in Intensive Care but was doing pretty good. He recognized me and that made me feel good. I stayed for a while then went to his house for the night.
The next day he was ok but I don't think he recognized anyone. He was "fixing" things. To this day I don't know what he was fixing but he would ask for a tool, use it and then give it back. He kept asking who that gray haired lady was looking in his room and there was no one in the doorway. I believe it was my Mom coming to let him know it was time. This went on for 2 days in which he did not sleep at all. Sunday February 9 he got so aggitated they put restraintes on his hands which really upset him. I had a really bad feeling that day and with the weather turning bad I decided to stay at the hospital that night. I went in to check on him and he was pleading with God to help him. I stayed and talked to him but I don't think he heard me. The last time I went in to see him, he was very calm. I went back to the family room and it seems like I had just found a half way comfortable spot when the nurse came rushing in saying his heart had stopped and they were giving him CPR. I had my feet up on a chair and I gave it a kick and ran into the ICU behind the nurse to wait outside his room hoping they could help him. After what seemed like a lifetime, the doctor came out and said they had been administering CPR for 15 minutes and had not gotten any response. I asked him if they would get him back what would his chances be and he said slim. I told the doctor let him go. After I made the phone calls that I had never wanted to make, they asked if I wanted to see him. I went into his room, sat in the chair next to the bed, held his hand and cried. He looked so peaceful and happy. I don't know how long I sat there. After my sister and brother-in-law got there I finally left the room.
He was always there when I needed someone to listen. He gave me my love of the land. He taught me how to depend on myself. He was a person I truly admired.
Daddy I miss you so much but rest well because I will take care of the rest of the family for you.

Win a Flip Ultra

2010-02-07T18:11:00.001-06:00

I just entered a contest to win a free Flip Ultra HD from NateHines.net (worth $199!) and I wanted you to have a chance to win one too!
All you need to do to enter is to click the link below or copy and paste it into your favorite Internet browser:
http://natehines.net/win-a-flip?ref=30764310

Be sure to read the email you get from Nate after you register. You'll get your own unique link that you can use to earn even more entries in the drawing!

Giveaways on the Blogs

2010-02-07T17:47:00.001-06:00

Win a Dremel Multi-Max from SAHM Reviews. Giveaway ends 2/15.

Win a $50 off $100 Coupon for Old Navy

2010-02-03T20:07:00.002-06:00

This is a hurry up quick giveaway. It ends at midnight on Thursday 2/4. Hurry over to Manda Blogs About for you chance to win 1 of 10 $50 off a $100 purchase coupon. There are lots of ways to enter but not lots of time to do it. So HURRY QUICK.

KitchenAid Skillet Giveaway

2010-02-01T17:56:00.001-06:00

Pull up a breakfast stool and enter a great giveaway for some brand new KitchenAid skillets at Daily Essentials and Deals.

Furry Furniture

2010-01-31T16:26:00.002-06:00

Got that "Furry Furniture" thing going on at your house? Everytime you move you have dog or cat hair clinging to your clothes. Jolly Mom has a solution. She is hosting a giveaway for a FURminator. This handy dandy gadget is a brush that works.
My vet used one on my Golden and you could have knitted a blanket from the fur they got off of him. It does work. Her giveaway ends 2/12.

Giveaways Around The Blogsphere

2010-01-24T13:35:00.004-06:00

Win a HP PhotoSmart Premium TouchSmart Web Multifunction Printer/Copier/Scanner/Fax from Real Life. This giveaway ends on Feburary 6.

Let the Winning Begin

2010-01-10T12:55:00.004-06:00

Win a Charm Factory bracelet and 8 charms at Simply Stacie. This giveaway ends 1/22/2010.

When someone mentions a sundial what do you think of? That old pile of stones in Granny's backyard? Well a sundial is a really old method of telling time that has been around for centuries. Audrey at Audrey's Giveaways found Shepherd's Watches a site that has brought the Sundial back. They have sundial necklaces that really work and Audrey's Giveaways has one for you to win. This giveaway ends 1/31/2010.

Most babies and kids love mobiles and most homes have ceiling fans, so why not put them together to make a great mobile for your kids (one you don't have to continually rewind). Well one clever mom has done that and Fandangling is the result. Carrie at Growing a Baby in Seattle Reviews has a giveaway in which you can pick your own Fandangling set when you win.
This giveaway ends 2/3/2010.

Here is another chance to win a Charm Factory bracelet with 8 charms. Made in Canarias is hosting this giveaway that ends 1/21/2101.

Epson Artisan 810 Giveaway

2009-12-21T21:45:00.004-06:00

Trisha over at Mom Blogs at MomDot is having a giveaway for an Epson Artisan 810 all-in-1 Printer. She has some examples of the print quality and I must say they are as good as having them done professionaly.
Here is a photo that I would love to print and frame for Chloe's grandma.

Just ride'n the old bouncy horse until she can talk someone into a real pony.

Oh by the way the giveaway ends January 1.

Santa Swap

2009-12-21T20:05:00.007-06:00

I have a Santa Buddy who sent me a box full of a wonderful assortment of gifts. My Santa Buddy is Leslie Gosney. Just look at all of the great stuff I got. She sent me a package of Play-doh to represent her job as a daycare worker.
I got a bag of Caramel bits and some Reese's trees to represent the state she lives in. I told her in the survey we filled out that I am trying to have a Christmas tree in each room with different themes, She sent me 2 candy ornaments to go on my newest tree.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I love the Christmas music and all of the decorations.
Thank you Leslie for all of your wonderful gifts.
Thank you Shannon for hosting this Santa Swap. I had so much fun. Here's hoping all of my blogger friends have a wonderful Christmas and everyone gets their hearts desire.

HP TouchSmart Computer of the Future Today

2009-12-15T19:58:00.002-06:00

I always thought the computer they used on CSI Miami where they stood around it and used their fingers to move screens around was so cool. I thought it was just the magic of the TV industry but boy was I wrong. HP has developed a touch screen home computer that they call the HP TouchSmart 600. It even comes in a laptop version. TechSavvyMama is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 touchscreen computer so now I have my chance to win one. You can too but you better hurry because her giveaway ends 12/17.

Win a HP 600 TouchSmart Desktop Computer

2009-12-15T19:00:00.003-06:00

Want to win the Cadillac of computers? Pink and Posh is giving away HP's 600 TouchSmart desktop computer with Windows 7. There were only nine bloggers who were selected to host this giveaway and this one ends 12/18.

Gift Card Giveaways

2009-12-14T20:56:00.009-06:00

Enter to be one of 3 lucky winners of a $25 Subway gift card at The Mommy Files. Ends 12/17

Babes and Kids Review is hosting a giveaway for a $25 Subway gift card with 3 winners. ends 12/21

Wow win a $25 Coleman gift card at Mamas Money Savers. Also follow Coleman on Twitter @colemancampfire for a chance to win a $25 gift card in their daily Twitter contest.

Here is a chance to win a $25 AmEx gift card from Thrift and Chic Mom. Ends 12/17

Thrifty and Chic Mom is hosting a giveaway for a $50 Safeway gift card. Talk about a way to save money shopping for Christmas dinner.

Here is another giveaway for a $25 AmEx gift card at The Suburban Jungle. ends 12/20

New Giveaways

2009-12-11T17:05:00.002-06:00

Win an adorable Yoohoo and a Yoohoo keychain from Out of the Notebook. Don't know what a Yoohoo is? They are the cutest stuffed toy I have seen. They have short legs, long tails and huge eyes. This giveaway ends 12/15.

Giveaways I Found

2009-12-05T13:41:00.009-06:00

Who doesn't want a friend that will be with them no matter what. Win Build-A-Bear's Holly and Hal Moose from "Deal"ectible Mommies. Ends 12/12

Need a new All-in-one printer? A Giveaway Addicted Mommy is giving away an Epson Artism 810 All-in-One printer. This giveaway ends 12/17.

Here is a chance to win the cutest Frosty the Snowman I have ever seen. A Happy Hippy Mom is hosting a giveaway for Build-A-Bear's Slumber Time Frosty the perfect bedtime buddy for your little one. Ends 12/15

Watch your favorite movies without pay per view. Win a Roku Digital Video Player featured on A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's holiday gift guide. Ends 12/16

Win some delicious and healthy Cutie California Clementines from Mommy PR. Ends 12/12 with 5 winners

If you missed out on A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Sticky Words Vinyl lettering giveaway in November, here is another chance. She is having another giveaway for Sticky Words that is ending on 12/30.

This is so Wrong

2009-12-04T12:03:00.004-06:00

Here we are in Houston, Texas at 35 degrees and SNOW. I moved here to get away from the snow and dang if it didn't find me. It is pretty coming down but I dread going home.

We Have Winners

2009-11-29T11:59:00.000-06:00

On the 16x20 rolled canvas giveaway there were 30 comments. Comment #29 was chosen by random.org. The winning comment is:
Sweet and Simple Savings said...
I would have a print made of our family Christmas picture!

ms allie at gmail dot com
Congratulations

There were 14 comments for the 50 custom Thank You Cards giveaway. Comment #11 was chosen by random.org. The winning comment is:
Laura said...
I would use these awesome cards to send thanks to troops overseas!

lmerritt49903@XXXXXXXXXX.com
Congratulations

You both will be receiving you emails soon.

Win with One Little Email

2009-11-28T17:32:00.002-06:00

If you like cinnamon rolls warm and gooey right out of the oven then this is the giveaway for you.
1- Full box of Jumbo Low Fat Cinnamon Buns (4)
1- Full box of Our Awesome Jumbo Low Fat Blueberry Vanilla Buns (4)
1- Full box of Holey Donuts! Low Fat Cinnamon Bun Middles (16)
+$150 Holiday spending cash!
Win all of this by sending 1 little email.
The best part is that if you win Mellisa at Getting All My Ducks In A Row will win too. Go over to her blog and see how to enter.

Looky Looky

2009-11-28T17:05:00.002-06:00

Be the envy of the neighborhood with this win. Barefoot Mommies is going to be giving away a Springfree Trampoline. Go now to get "10" count them 10 early entries.

More Giveaways

2009-11-26T16:23:00.006-06:00

Win a K'NEX 400 pc tub for that building genuis in your life from A Giveaway Addicted Mommy. Ends 12/11

Need a new digital camera? Win a Samsung ST550/TL225 Touch Screen digital camera at For The Love of 2 Cents. This camera will be given away live on 2009 Hoilday Gift Guide on Random Chaos hosted by MomTV.com on 12/3. You must be present to win.

Flying Giggles and Lollipops is hosting a giveaway for a Holly and Hal Moose and Lil' Robot Hal sponsored by Build-A-Bear.

Giveaways Around the Blogworld

2009-11-22T10:37:00.006-06:00

Win your choice of a Mimobot USB at Mom's Focus on Cyber World ends 11/30

Win a Brugo hot beverage mug at Kiddies Corner Deals. Ends 12/5

Here is another chance to win a Brugo hot beverage mug. A Happy Hippy Mom is giving one away. Giveaway ends 12/11

Win a Logtech Pro 9000 Webcam from New York City Single Mom. Ends 12/4

Win a hot new HP TouchSmart 600 computer from Scribbit. Ends 11/28

Here's another chance to win a HP TouchSmart 600 Computer. Jolly Mom has a giveaway for one also. Ends 12-7

Win 50 Custom Thank You Cards - CLOSED

2009-11-21T12:47:00.011-06:00

When was the last time you sent a thank you card? Almost everyone sends them for huge events in our lives: weddings, new baby, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Quinceanera, but what about those other events? Do you send thank you cards for Christmas gifts? My sister does. Have you taken the time to teach your children the simple old fashion gesture of thanking people in writing?
Here is an opportunity to win 50 custom thank you cards with envelopes. to get your tradition of sending thank you cards started.

1) Tell me how you would use your Thank you cards
2) Follow my blog
3) Follow me on Twitter
4) Tweet about this giveaway(can be done daily with a seperate link for each tweet)
5) Post on your blog with a link to the giveaway and UPrinting
6) Follow UPrintingon Twitter.

You email address must be in each comment or the comment will be disqualified.
This giveaway is open to US residents only with free UPS ground shipping within the US.
This giveaway will end on Saturday 11/28 at 11:59PM. The winner will be chosen with Random.org and will have until 5:00PM on Monday 11/30 to respond. If there is no responds in the aloted time a new winner will be chosen.

Although I will be receiving a set of 50 Thank You cards with envelopes for hosting this giveaway, it has in no way influenced my opinion.

16 X 20 Canvas Giveaway - CLOSED

2009-11-21T11:33:00.011-06:00

LargeFormatPosters.com is offering my readers a chance to win a 16 X 20 rolled canvas print. In an earlier giveaway I received an 18 X 24 print. The quality was outstanding. After sending my photo choice, I was sent a proof to check before the final print was made. The folks I talked to over the phone patiently answered all of my questions.
A Canvas Print your family would be a great Christmas gift for Grandma.

Here is how you can win your print.
You must put your email in each comment or the comment will be disqualified.

1) Tell me what photo gifts you would have made if you win.
2) Post on your blog with a link to the giveaway and LargeFormatPosters.com
3) Follow me on Twitter
4) Tweet about the giveaway (can be done daily must make a seperate commet for each)
5) Follow my Blog

This giveaway is open to US residents. Free UPS ground shipping in the US.

This giveaway will end on Saturday November 28 at 11:59PM. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. I will email the winner and they will have until 5:00PM on Monday November 30 to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck everyone

Although I will be receiving my own 16 X 20 Canvas Print for holding this giveaway, it in no way influenced my opinion of LargeFormatPosters.com

Congratulations Another Winner

2009-11-21T10:41:00.003-06:00

There were 43 comments for my Disney Lithogragh giveaway. The winner by Random.org is number 7.Here is the winning comment:

haydensmommy05 said...
I voted for Independentmami for the Peoples Choice Award! #2

I sent an email to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

New Giveaways Ending in December

2009-11-19T21:04:00.008-06:00

Check out Wrestling Addicted Mommy's holiday gift guide for several great giveaways. One of which is for a 2 gallon tin of popcorn from The Popcorn Factory.

Another giveaway on Wrestling Addicted Mommy's holiday gift guide is a travel/portable PowerMat that includes the portable mat, Powercube universal receiver with 8 tips, international power supply and a travel case from PowerMat. ends 12/1

Be the envy of the blog world by winning a new HP TouchSmart 600 computer from 5 Minutes for Mom Giveaway ends 12/1

Out of the Notebook is hosting a giveaway for a beautiful Seahorse necklace from Silverlinings Esty Shop. ends 12/30

Look What You Can Win

2009-11-16T23:51:00.004-06:00

Jolly Mom is one of the lucky nine bloggers chosen by HP to give away one of their new HP TouchSmart 600 Computer. I have seen pictures of it and it looks awesome. The retail value of this little beauty is $1497. I can't wait for my chance to enter this giveaway that starts Monday 11/23. She is offering us some early entry opportunities so go over and check this out.

Holiday Favorites and Wishes

2009-11-15T17:00:00.007-06:00

I think this list is really cool and here are my answers.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

A new crock pot and that all of our soldiers are kept save.

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?

A box of homemade cookies the year I couldn't go home.

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
A quilt

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?

A huge yellow Tonka truck (it's a long story)

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?

everything they see on TV

6. What is your favorite holiday food?

Turkey and stuffing

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

not sure

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?

White Christmas

9. Favorite holiday song?

Happy Birthday Baby by the Oakridge Boys

10. Favorite holiday pastime?

Turning off all of the lights except on the tree and watching Christmas movies

I found these questions on Mommy 23 Monkeys who got them from Moody Mama Says.
Feel free to join in on this meme if you’d like.
Check out the answers that these 2 ladies put on their blogs and then post yours.

Great Giveaways I Found This Week

2009-11-15T11:49:00.015-06:00

Win a Burgo Hot Beverage Drinker at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves. This is a beverage cup that will allow you to drink a hot beverage without waiting for it to cool enough so you won't burn your tongue. Ends 11/16

Win a Nature Valley Granola nut Clusters Gift Pack from the Contest Corner. ends 11/22

Win you very own copy of Night in the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian from Tiars & Tantrums. There will be 5 winners. Ends 11/28

Win a set of 4 e-movie cash certificates valued at $12 each(good for any movie) and a coupon for a box of General Mills cereal from Tamonas Tips. Ends 11/22

Build-A-Bear has given Leslie Loves Veggies readers an opportunity to win their very own "Happy Holiday Frosty The Snowman". The giveaway ends 12/2

Win a Solar Hybrid Flashlight at Helping Mommys Win. Ends 11/20

Another one from Helping Mommys Win. Win a shirt of your choice from Teewit. 2 Winners ends 11/20

Start a new Christmas tradition with Elfing Around and Mama Snow. Win an elf who will visit during every Christmas season then return to the North Pole on Chiristmas Eve with Santa.
Giveaway ends 11/30.

Get a Free Child Safe Kit

2009-11-12T22:09:00.005-06:00

Over 800,000 children are reported missing each year, that's over 2,000 children a day. Request your free Child Safe Kit and store your child's most important information in one safe place.
Go to Child Safe Kit sponsored by Globe Life and Accident Insurance to get a kit to put information about your child in one place so if necessary you can provide accurate information if they would get lost or disappear. The kit has a place for a current picture with a line to put the age of your child and the date the picture was taken. Other pages have places to put a physical description of your child with any identifying features such as glasses, a scar or birthmark. There is also a place to put fingerprints of your child. The kit provides the ink and instructions how to get a good set of fingerprints.

Here are some Child Safe Tips that are on the site.
1. Approach the subject of safety in a non-threatening way, so that your child is not fearful of dangerous people or situations, but cautious and aware.
2. Open communication is the key. Encourage your child to trust their intuition and to be able to tell you when something is wrong.
3. Make sure your child knows his or her full name, address and phone number, and where you work or can be contacted. Teach them how to dial 911, make collect calls and how to use a pay phone operator.
4. Inform your child of the rules pertaining to strangers. Let your child know that adults do not ask children for help nor can they threaten them. They should never approach an unknown car or go anywhere with an adult they do not know.
5. Never label clothing, backpacks or personal items with your child’s name. A stranger can use this information.
6. Put a system in place on what to do if you and your child are separated in a public place.
7. Know where your child is at all times and remember to update your child’s records every 6-12 months.

Get the kit and talk to your children. None of us want them to become a statistic.

Vote for Independentmami

2009-11-11T11:09:00.003-06:00

I am asking all of my followers to please go to Mom Dot and vote for Independent Mami for the peoples choice award in the Bloggers and Tiaras pagent. Here is the link. http://www.momdot.com/peopleschoiceaward/ Thanks for your help.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T07:05:00.004-06:00

To some people Veteran's Day is another paid holiday. To some it is just another day in the month. To me it is a day to thank all of the men and women in our lives who served in the armed forces for putting their life in danger for me. I'm sure each of us have in our family or know someone who served. I personally have my dad, 3 uncles, 1 brother, 3 nephews. and 1 second cousin that have or are currently serving in various branches of the service. I am very proud of each of them. I pray for them all everyday to be protected.
When ever I see a person in a military uniform, I make sure I thank them. They are doing what I can't and I am grateful everyday that there are those brave men and women who choose to put their life in harm's way to protect our way of life.
So today and everyday thank that veteran in your life, because if they had not done what they did we may not be living the life we have become accustom to.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVE MAY THE ANGLES HOLD YOU HAND AND KEEP YOU SAVE

Magic Your Way and Litho Giveaway - CLOSED

2009-11-11T00:00:00.009-06:00

What child (that includes you)hasn't wished they could go to Disney World and meet Micky Mouse in person? I did get to go and had the time of my life. It has been about 8 years ago but there are still things that stand out. At Epcot they have a test track that is one of the longest and fastest rides in Disney history. You ride over bumpy terrain, around hairpin turns and on a track with 50 degree banked curves that you are traveling at 60MPH around.

In the Animal Kingdom is the stately Tree of Life, that is a 14 story masterpeice sculpted with the images of 325 animals.

In the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle. You can have lunch in the castle and even spend the night. What little girl hasn't dreamed of living as a princess in a castle?

Disney World has so many rides for all ages. My favorite is the Rock n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. You are invited to a backstage party across town. You strap yourself in to your car and zip through Tinseltown going from 0-60 with the force of a supersonic F-14. You travel through high speed loops and turns synchronized to a specially recorded Aerosmith soundtrack. This is one of the fastest and best roller coasters I have ever been on.

Disney World has a discount promotion going on now that will make a trip to the Magic Kingdom much more affordable.

Travel to Disney World from November 1-December 24 or January 3-March 27 and get free nights at your Disney Resort. Stay at a Disney Value Resort for 5 nights and get 2 nights for free and 2 days of tickets for free. Stay at a Disney Moderate Resort or Disney Deluxe Resort for 4 nights and get 3 nights free and 3 days of tickets for free.

The Disney Magic Your Way package includes:
1)Accommodations at a Walt Disney World Resort
2)Disney World Tickets
3)Free Disney's Magical Express transfers (to and from the Orlando International Airport)
4)Free Disney's Magical Express baggage handling (Disney will pick up your luggage from Baggage Claim and deliver it to your room about 2-3 hours after you check in)
5)Free $15 voucher for food and non-alcoholic beverages at Planet Hollywood at Downtown Disney
6)Free souvenir from Planet Hollywood at Downtown Disney
7)Free voucher for a round of miniature golf at a Disney Miniature Golf Course
8)Free "I'm going to Disney World" pack with vacation planning information, Must See Must Do Guide, and Disney themed luggage tags
9)Free voucher for 30 minutes of Sea Raycer boat time when you rent 60 minutes. Offer is valid up to 5 people at Disney marinas
10)Free $10 Disney Game Card to use on arcade games at your Disney Resort
11)Free Extra Magic Hours at the Disney Theme Parks
12)Free transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort� to the Disney Theme Parks, Water Parks, Downtown Disney, and other Disney Resorts

Maybe this should be the year you take that magical journey to Disney World.

Destinations in Florida Travel has offered a giveaway to my readers. One lucky person will win a set of 4 Disney Parks Lithographs featuring Tinker Bell and Mickey Mouse.(valued at over $75) A little mouse wispered in my ear that if the winner would like to have one of their lithographs autographed by a certain famous mouse it could happen.

Now how do you win these Lithographs:

1) Go to Destinations in Florida Travel and tell me the first thing you would want to see when you go to Disney World
2) Follow Disney World on Twitter
3) Follow my Blog
4) Post on your blog with a link to me and Destinations in Florida Travel
5) Follow me on Twitter
6) Tweet about the giveaway (can be done daily but must have a seperate commet for each)
7) Go to Mom Blogs at Mom Dot and vote for Independentmami for the Peoples Choice Award (5 entries)(each entry must be in a seperate comment.)
You email must be in each comment so I have a way to contact you when you win.

This giveaway starts on Wednesday 11/11 at 12:00AM and ends on Friday 11/20 at 11:59PM at which time a winner will be chosen by Random.org. The winner will be notifyed by email and will have 48 hours to respond. If no response in 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

I would like to thank Allison and Destinations in Florida Travel for offering this great giveaway to my readers.

DISCLOSURE: I received nothing to post about this great vacation offer. Everything is my own opinion or experience.

Giveaways I Want to Win

2009-11-08T16:09:00.004-06:00

1) Win a $25 electronic gift certificate to Natural Bath & Body from It's My Life.

2) Win a beautiful vinyl wall quote by Sticky Words Vinyl Lettering from A Wrestling Addicted Mommy. Ends 11/29

WINNER

2009-11-01T12:16:00.000-06:00

The winner of the Harry Connick Jr Your Songs giveaway was chosen by Random.org. The winner is #16 who wrote
haydensmommy05 said...
I follow on twitter!!
Haydensmommy05@XXXXXXX.com
I have sent you an email and you have 48 hours to respond. Congratulations.

Great Giveaways for November

2009-11-01T10:22:00.010-06:00

1) Pamper youself with a $40 gift cretificate to The Homestead Co. Find the giveaway at Kiddies Corner Deals. Ends 11/15

2) Win a Charm Factory bracelet and 8 charms at Review and Testing Corner ends 11/15.

3) Win a Carson Opitcal zOrb Digital Microcope at As They Grow Up. Great gift for that budding scientist in you family. Ends 11/25

4) Win a Logitec Pro 9000 web cam at Medicated Mama. A fantastic gift for anyone. Ends 11/6 so hurry.

5) Win a Philips Docking Entertainment System from Bargain Briana. Giveaway ends 11/11

Halloween Blog or Treat

2009-10-30T15:34:00.007-05:00

I was one of the lucky ones who got to participate in Halloween Blog or Treat put on by Shannon at The Mommy Files. We were paired up with a fellow blogger and exchanged Halloween goodies. My buddy was Lauri from Gracious Rain. Lauri the goodies you sent were spectacular. The skeleton candles are so neat. I don't think I have seen them before. I got a cute little witch's hat luminary. Some little painted pails and 3 cookies cutters -a ghost, a bat and a cat. And CANDY. I will make sure I take the candy to work or it will disapear

Thank you Shannon for having this great exchange. It was so much fun. I can't wait for the Santa Swap that is next.

Business Card Giveaway

2009-10-29T21:30:00.001-05:00

Win 250 Business cards from Jael Custom Designs. 2 winners ends 11/2

Black Friday

2009-10-25T13:52:00.004-05:00

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Christmas shopping frenzy. Shoppers line up hours before stores open prepared to do battle for that "huge" bargain or that "must" have gift. Every year I ask myself why???? You see news reports of women fighting over a doll. Of a store clerk killed in a stampede of people rushing thru doors that were just opened. Again WHY? Margaret over at Pickles & Lollipops is offering a solution to this craziness. She is going to host a Black Friday hourly giveaway day. So instead of getting up at 2:00AM to go stand in front of a store, get up at 5:45AM and fire up your computer. You don't even have to get dressed.

Product Testers Needed

2009-10-24T18:34:00.002-05:00

Eco Smart a company the produces organic insecticides is looking for 1000 product testers. I just signed up for the program and there was only 24 other participants so there is lots of room left. Go over to Eco Smart and go to the bottom of the page to sign up by leaving a comment.

Harry Connick Jr "Your Songs" Review and Giveaway--CLOSED

2009-10-20T12:09:00.021-05:00

When the One2One Network asked me if I wanted to review the new Harry Connick Jr CD, I said oh yes.
Harry Connick Jr award winning singer, composer, musician, actor, and most of all not too hard on the eyes has released a new CD called Your Songs. He has taked signature songs by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel and Nat King Cole to name a few and made them his own. Even though you know who originally sang the songs, Harry adds his own style. This is one of those CD's that you pop in after a really hard day, pour that glass of wine, go out on the deck in the lounger and it takes you away. It is so soothing that by the time it is done you are a puddle of calm.

Check out the track list (Originally performed by):

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

As a New Orleans native, Harry Connick, Jr. is deeply attuned to the devastation caused by Katrina along the Gulf Coast. Harry Connick Jr teamed up with Branford Marsalis and the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to create Musicians’ Village, a community in the Upper Ninth Ward.

One2One Network is giving one of my readers The Harry Connick Jr Your Songs CD of their own. Here is how you can win it.

1) Follow my blog
2) Follow me on Twitter
3) Post this on your blog with a link to your post(5 entries)
4) Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily just put a comment for each tweet)
5) Go toMom Blogs At MomDot and vote for Independentmami for the John Lennon Award. (10 entries)(must put a comment for each entry. If you put this in one comment it will only count as 1 not 10)
You must include your email address in each comment so I will be able to contact you if you are my winner. If your email address is not included in your comment, it will be disqualified.
This giveaway starts on Tuesday 10/20 and ends on Friday 10/30 at 11:59PM at which time the winner will be drawn using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response in the 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

I received no compensation for this review other than the product to be reviewed. This is strictly my opinion.

Giveaways

2009-10-19T18:32:00.001-05:00

Win a bottle of Anti Monkey Butt powder for that biker in your life at BabasFarmLife ends 10/30

The Dottie Awards

2009-10-09T20:24:00.004-05:00

Over at Mom Blogs at MomDot nominations for the Dotty Awards opened on Thursday 10/8 and will close on Friday 10/16. I have nominated Alba at http://independentmami.blogspot.com/ for The John Lennon Award which is for the nicest blogger. She needs at least 3 nominations to be considered, so please go to Mom Blogs at MomDot and nominate her. You know she should win hands down.
Here are the rules for nominations:
Nominations will run from Thursday October 8th till Friday October 16th.
No nominations via email or twitter will be accepted.
Make sure you add the BLOG URL of the person you are nominating and what category you are nominating them for.
Voting for the awards will start on Monday 10/19 and end on Saturday 10/24.
So after you nominate Alba make sure you go back and vote for her to WIN.

Remember Hula Hoops?

2009-10-09T17:51:00.002-05:00
Want a new way to exercise without needing alot of equipment? Win a travel hoop by Hoopnotica from A Giveaway Addicted Mommy

Laptops for Flat Tops

2009-10-07T19:33:00.002-05:00
“After three successful contests this year, online retailer AllAmericanDirect.com is launching their fourth and final ‘Laptops for Flat Tops’ contest this week. Military families can once again enter for a chance to win two laptops with embedded webcams to help improve communication with their loved ones serving overseas! AllAmericanDirect.com is excited to provide two more families with a chance to see and hear loved ones who have been deployed, and most importantly, allow soldiers to connect with their families back home. Susan Smith, a winner from September’s contest said, “We can’t even begin to describe how excited we are to see his face as it’s been over a year since we last saw him. This is a wonderful thing to do for the men and women fighting for our country.” This final contest went live on Monday, October 5th.”
I found this giveaway on The Army Wife. Although I can't enter the givaway, I wanted to pass the information along so you can pass it on any military family that you may know. A win in this giveaway would give a family a chance to see a loved one who is far away and fighting for our freedom. Please pass this on to everyone you know.

Giveaways

2009-10-04T18:25:00.004-05:00
Win a Mystic Wonders Complete Laundry System at Helping Mommy's Win

Win the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition DVD from STL Mommy. Giveaway ends 10/12

Summer Cool Down Gift Bag Winner

2009-10-04T15:30:00.004-05:00
And we have a winner:
Jaime said...
2 blogged about giveaway
http://copperllamastudio.blogspot.com/2009/10/summer-cool-down-giveaway.html
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Congratulations Jaime you are my winner.

Nature Valley Granola Nut Cluster Giveaway

2009-10-02T16:15:00.004-05:00
Have you ever tried Nature Valley's Granola Nut Clusters? I bought a package of the Nut Lovers last weekend. They are so good. Just the right crunch. Want a chance to win all 4 varieties, a sling backpack, a SS water bottle, a flashlight and a pair of binocluars? Go over to A Happy Hippy Mom and enter her giveaway. It ends 10/19

Just Because

2009-10-01T13:31:00.005-05:00
I just got a call from the front desk about a special delivery and could I come and get it. As I went up to the front, I was trying to figure out what she was talking about. I didn't have anything on order.
When I got there, on our receptionist's desk was a huge Edible Arrangement. She asked if it was my birthday and I told her no. When I looked at the card, it was from a good friend and his family, just because. It is so nice to get something just because.
Today started out really crappy and now my day has been totally changed because someone was thinking about me. Now I feel like I can take on the whole world.
Thank you Roger and Joanee you guys made my day.

More Chrismas Possibilities

2009-09-29T18:13:00.002-05:00
Win a Charm Factory charm bracelet and 8 charms of your choice at Coffee with the Mrs. Ends 10/18