October 31, 2011

Hexbug Nano Halloween Party!


Sometimes, I really love my job. And yesterday, I really, REALLY loved my job as a blogger because I had the opportunity to host a Hexbug Nano Halloween Party!!
I got an awesome assortment of  products to check out:






In my package, I received:
  • 3 Hexbug Larva
    12 Limited Edition HEXBUG Nano Halloween Zombie bugs
  • 15 Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Galileo Collection bugs
  • HEXBUG Nano Glows In The Dark Habitat Sets
  • 1 Glows in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Elevation Habitat Set
  • 16 Hexbug Nano Replacement Batteries
  • 1 mini screw driver

    I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to break out these awesome toys, and yesterday my local Mothers & More friends and I had a Halloween party for our children so I knew these would be a hit! And boy was I right! There were kids there ages 1 year to 11 years old and each and everyone of them LOVED the Hexbug Nanos! They were entertained for a good hour before it was time to go home. Even the parents got in on the fun! Some of my friends told me that these were on their kids Christmas wish list, I think Hexbugs are the HOT ticket item this holiday season for boys and girls of all ages!







Cooper and our cat Phinneas got in on the action!
  • It's been a long time since I have come across a toy that was a great fit for kids of all ages, and Hexbug has out did themselves with their amazing toys!
    Not only are these toys entertaining, but they are affordable too! They are available in big name stores as well as online, so there is no shortage of availability!
    I highly recommend these products for your kids (or cats ;) ) but I really think you should try them yourselves, even us moms can get in on the fun!
  • Disclaimer: I received these products as a part of my host duties for MommyParties.
    No other compensation was given. Permission was granted to post pictures of children that are not my own. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.


October 29, 2011

October 29th is World Stroke Day!

Today is World Stroke Day-Earlier this year, my little world was rocked when my dad suffered at least 2 strokes (that we know of). It is so hard to watch a man who was so strong and so full of life laying in a bed struggling to move and talk. I will never forget that day of seeing him the first time after his stroke. Seven months later, he has learned to walk with assistance, has the majority of his speech back, and is working hard in therapy to get stronger. I'm so proud of not only my dad in his courage and willingness to work hard, but of my mom who is handicapped herself yet has been there helping him every step of the way.

From the World Stroke Campaign website:


"Every six seconds, regardless of age or gender, a sister, brother, wife, husband, daughter, son, partner, mother, father or friend will die from a stroke. Stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59. Stroke also attacks children, including newborns. Each year, nearly six million people die from stroke. In fact, stroke is responsible for more deaths every year than those attributed to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria put together – three diseases which have set the benchmark for successful public health advocacy, capturing the attention of the world’s media and which consequently has provoked world leaders, governments and many sectors of civil society to act.

Stroke is indiscriminate and does not respect borders. Individual countries cannot address the challenges of stroke in isolation. World Stroke Day brings together advocacy groups, patient survivor support networks, volunteer stroke societies, public health authorities, physicians, nurses and others within the allied health professions including civil society at-large, for a collaborative approach to comprehensive stroke education, advocacy, prevention, treatment and long-term care and support for stroke survivors."

I am sure that many, if not all, know someone affected by a stroke. If you're looking for a charitable donation this year, I strongly encourage the World Stroke Campaign, or others like it.
There are amazing powers at work in the people that help care for stroke survivors. I'm so thankful to everyone who has helped my dad along the way, including all of my friend and family who sent prayers, cards, good thoughts-each and everyone of you are amazing and I know we couldn't have made it through those first few months without your shoulders to lean on. 

My amazing parents at a summer wedding. Love them and so proud of them!

Disclaimer: I shared this post in honor of my dad, no compensation was given.

October 25, 2011

Winners!

I officially love Rafflecopter!! The giveaways have been a huge success, and picking winners is easy and fair (and random!) thanks to Rafflecopter!
Sams Club winner: Elena
Master Lock winner: Susan

Emails have been sent! Thanks to all who entered! As always, winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!




October 18, 2011

7 Little Cupcakes Review


I have some super awesome friends who helped me win a contest last month to win free gourmet cupcakes from an up and coming "Cupcakery" called 7 Little Cupcakes! And the awesome mama behind these tasty treats gave me the thumbs up to share my thoughts with you all, so brace your self for some supreme yumminess!
7 Little Cupcakes is an outstanding business with amazing treats. Janee, the owner and baker at 7 Little Cupcakes chose the name in honor of her 7 little children! Yes, she is a busy mom and still has time to be a rock star in the kitchen!! 
From the website:
"Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. While you may find similar products elsewhere 7 Little Cupcakes offers top of the line customer service paired with low prices as we feel our delightful treats should be available (and affordable) for all!We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry."

Some of what you'll find at 7 Little Cupcakes: Gourmet Cupcakes, Cupcake bites, Cupcake in a jar, Wedding cakes, Cupcake sandwiches-you name it, she can do it!I was so excited to give these cupcakes a try. I've made cupcakes, but I've never had a "gourmet" cupcake. I drool over the cupcake shows on TV, wishing they'd deliver, and geeked out a bit when I discovered there was a business not far from me offering these beautiful and delectable treats!
After spending way too long staring at the huge list gourmet creations, I chose to try the Creamy Boston Pie Cupcake in a Jar and the Chocolatey Marshmallow Cupcake. I'm going to confess-I didn't even leave the  parking lot w/o trying one of these cupcakes :D Oh my. It was like what I imagined Heaven tastes like. Chocolate and Marshmallow is my favorite combination and boy did this stand out above anything I've had before!! The Creamy Boston Pie cupcake in a jar was also outstanding. It was cake, vanilla pudding, and chocolate ganache. This was a big hit with my kids, my 4 year old just stood in awe asking "how did she get that cupcake in a jar?" :D 
Aside from the fantastic cupcakes, the customer service provided was beyond excellent!! Quick to respond to emails and phone calls, Janee goes above and beyond for her customers!
You can explore 7 Little Cupcakes online and find them on Facebook too! 
Now, because we are gluttons, we ate our cupcakes so fast I didn't get a picture!
But here are some pictures of some other creations offered at 7 Little Cupcakes!


drool...




Turtle Cupcakes

Wedding cake


Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this review, all opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.




Eversave.com giveaway!




If you're looking for a daily deals website that has anything from travel deals, dining, or something for a little self indulgence-than Eversave.com is your place! Eversave offers daily "saves" anywhere from 50% to 90% off!
What is a Save you ask?? A Save is a deal offered exclusively to you, their customer at a fantastic discount. 
Just for signing up at Eversave, you will get a credit into your account, I have a $3 credit just waiting for me to find that super awesome deal I've been waiting for (I"ll know it when I see it :D) just from signing up to Eversave-Columbus, OH
Wondering how this all works? When you find the save you can't live with out, just click on it and buy it! You'll get an email with a voucher that you can use online or print off and take to a local place if that is what your Save is for! Buying a save is also a great way to give a gift for someone who has everything :D 
I was thinking if I come across a great spa day discount, I could buy that for a good friend as well as a gift certificate so they could get the most out of their discount. I know as a busy mom, a day of pampering sounds pretty good and I'd probably love my friend forever if she got that for me (hint hint ;) )

Win it! One luck Reader will win a $25 Credit from Eversave!
(find the Rafflecopter entry form for the giveaway by clicking "read more")

October 17, 2011

Loving a child with (the possibility of) special needs


I said it. Out loud. And didn't hide my eyes away to avoid seeing peoples reaction.
My son has special needs.
We are a part of the Help Me Grow program here in Ohio and have been since my youngest was born. 
He was born with an Omphalocele (which I've probably mentioned a time or two!) and with that there are a few potential syndromes/disorders, Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome, Edwards Syndrome to name a few.
We opted to not do genetic testing until he was born, and everything came back normal. But we did learn he was deaf in one ear. 
With the fear that there still could be something wrong with his development, I enrolled in the HMG program and met some fantastic people! 
While my son has met his developmental milestones for the most part, he is delayed in speech which may or may not be due to his hearing impairment.
Now, while he might not be developmentally delayed, he does have struggles, and we love so much being apart of HMG and we are now at the stage where we meet weekly with other kids close in age and similar needs. We had our first "Family Meeting" today where the parents could just talk and share our stories. While I was nervous at first, it ended up being an awesome experience! It's great getting to know other families that are also raising a special needs child. Each child in our group has different needs, but we were able to bond and commiserate today and I think everyone left feeling a little relieved that they aren't alone in this stage of parenting!
I don't really talk much about Bennett's impairment because frankly I don't notice it! He behaves like he hears just fine (with the normal selective hearing children seem to develop at birth :D) and he loves to play  with other kids! Some might say that he doesn't have special needs, and maybe so. But I am grateful for such programs as Help Me Grow so that we can determine whether or not he'll need continued speech therapy or the socialization play groups. I've learned so much from them, and so much about my special little guy!
He is seriously the coolest 2 year old I know, and just takes life in with the purest heart and kick ass attitude. Nothing bothers him, he is always smiling! 
This post was more of a ramble, if you made it through this far, you are a rock star! 



I want to end with a short story that I heard today and just fell in love with. 


Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

When you are going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation to Italy.  You buy a bunch of guide books and make all your wonderful plans: the Coliseum, Michelangelo's David, the gondolas in Venice.  You may even learn some handy phrases in Italian.  It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives.  You pack your bags and off you go.  Several hours later, the plane lands.  The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland ?!?"  you say.  "What do you mean Holland?  I signed up for Italy!  I'm supposed to be in Italy.  All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy"

But there has been a change in the flight plan.  They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease.  It's just a different place.
So you go out and buy new guide books.  And you learn a whole new language.  And you meet a whole group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy.  But after you've been there awhile and you catch your breath, you look around and begin to notice Holland has windmills- and Holland has tulips.  Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone one you know is busy coming and going from Italy...and they are all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there.  And for the rest of your life, you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go.  That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss.

But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, and very lovely things about Holland.





October 16, 2011

Golfer



Golfer
Guest post written by my buddy Lavern Small
Golf is my passion and I’ve recently even recruited my wife into coming out on the course with me. She doesn’t like to hit much but she loves driving the cart and she likes to cheer me on so it makes it pretty pleasant. I bought my first set of really nice clubs this summer so I’ve been playing a lot more than normal and I recently found an Indiana internetprovider in my neighborhood so I could research the different clubs around here and their rates. The only thing about this hobby is that it can get really, really expensive if you’re not careful so I think that joining a club may be a money saver in the long run! I know I’m going to be getting something golf related for Christmas (because my kids are terrible at keeping secrets) and I’m planning on buying myself a new glove and some shoes, too, so I guess if I do it a little bit at a time it doesn’t add up too badly like I thought.

Disclaimer: This is a GUEST post. Opinions are that of the author.
For more information, please see my disclosure policy.



October 14, 2011

How to have a Miserable Halloween experience (In other words, what NOT to do!)


This year we are taking our youngest trick or treating for the first time. He is 2 years old, and I'm sure he could care less :D But I want to be sure that everyone has a great time, not just my toddler, and unless I want to have his first T-or-T experience be a miserable one-here is what NOT to do!
***
Forget any expectations you have of skipping from house to house with your elated, well-behaved toddler. The first Halloween experience may look drastically different than what you anticipate.
Be ready to go home early if you need to and pay close attention to your toddler's over-stimulation signals to make sure it's fun for both of you. You can make it a great, ghoulish night filled with good memories, or hideously heinous by engaging in this list of killjoys.
1. Find uber-uncomfortable costumes.
Think that hooded cow costume would be adorable on Junior? Make sure he tries it on and successfully wears it several times before Halloween. Some costumes cause serious wedgie issues while others are insufferably scratchy.
2. Let Junior have as much candy as he wants.
Why is the kid with a ghost costume such a messy eater? Because he's always a goblin! If you want to be the fun parent and let your kid engorge on ridiculous quantities of high fructose corn syrup, be my guest! And watch your toddler spin right off the planet. If that doesn't sound like fun to you, check out "Healthy Halloween Habits" from KidsHealth.org for tips on successfully curbing your child's candy consumption.
3. Visit all the creepy decoration houses.
The best way to ensure that your three-year-old wakes up with nightmares for a week is to trick 'o treat neighbors who clearly forgot Halloween is for young, innocent kids. Boycott "R" rated Halloween props by averting your eyes and skipping those houses. For the design-challenged among us, our dear friend and Halloween fiend Martha Stewart has easy-to-follow (and friendly) DIY outdoor decorations.
4. Dress everyone in black.
Parents, help your kids learn some safety. According to a study reported in Time.com by Safe Kids USA, children are twice as likely to be hit in a car accident on Halloween than on any other night. Maybe your kids rarely walk outside as it is, so take this opportunity to teach them the right way to cross the street and how to handle approaching cars. Always carry a flashlight, especially for dark costumes, and consider some reflective gear as well.
5. Fail to comb through the candy bag.
Razors and rat poison in Halloween candy? Maybe that urban myth has some morsel of truth, but the biggest threats to your child's health via Halloween candy are cavities and obesity. Pull out cheapo candy like hard mints or taffy and toss them directly out. Find free printable coupons to a craft store from sites like CouponSherpa.com, and offer to trade some of your child's candy for crafts.
6. Allow the little ones to go out alone.Never allow your kids to go out at night unaccompanied by a responsible adult or older sibling. Offer to take your neighbor's kids out for a while so your own children can trick 'o treat with a friend. Even letting your small kiddo run next door or across the street at night is a huge hazard--they need to go with someone. The Center for Disease Control has a nifty acrostic to help you have a safe Halloween. 
###
Ashley Grimaldo comes from a long line of penny pinchers and enjoys blogging on money-saving tips and advice for frugal-minded parents. She lives with her husband and three children in Bryan, Texas. Ashley has been featured among such media outlets as Redbook, The Chicago Tribune, Time.com, and CBS News-Houston.
For all media inquiries, please contact Ashley Grimaldo at ashley@kinoliinc.com.

Disclosure: This was a guest post, opinions are that of the author. No compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.


October 13, 2011

The Bar Method DVD workout collection Giveaway!!


Introducting: The Bar Method! One lucky reader will win The Bar Method DVD collection, ARV $100

Bar Method group 3D #3E16AF.jpg

Beginner’s Workout DVD
Joey Decker, dancer, choreographer and owner of the Burbank, California Bar Method studio, guides beginning students through the Bar Method’s basic body-sculpting exercises such as “standing seat-work” and “kickstand curl” in this 37 minutes long, full-body workout. Joey’s humor and precise instructions helps beginners and more advanced students to brush up on their form and get a great workout at the same time. Joey’s fellow performers are Jennifer Keyes and Joyce Miraflor, teachers at Joey’s studio, Tiffany Baldwin, a Los Angeles master teacher, and Whitney Bania, co-owner of the Newport Beach, California Bar Method studio. Price: $20

Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout
Actress, singer, dancer and master Bar Method teacher Marnie Alton delivers a no-holds-barred, super-advanced Bar Method DVD workout that will slim down and sculpt your body quickly. In this 62-minute Bar Method workout, Marnie draws from the principles of dance to target the muscles that give your body a beautiful, defined, graceful appearance. Exercises include: “water-ski thigh-work,” “arabesque,” and the Bar Method’s ultra-challenging new abdominal exercise, “the clam.” Marnie’s fellow performers are Denise Burchard, co-owner of the Portland Bar Method studio, Marin Van Vleck, upcoming owner of a Dallas-area Bar Method studio, and Michael Lowery and Katelin Chesna, both long-time Bar Method teachers in Los Angeles. This DVD will inspire you to get serious about changing your body! Price: $20

Pregnancy Workout
Master teacher Lee Potter in her third trimester with twins adds her own special wit and playfulness to the Bar Method’s pre-natal workout, a long-standing and popular class at its flagship studio in San Francisco. Lee leads you through this 45-minute long series of gentle, safe and challenging moves, including free-weight work, thigh exercises, standing seat-work, and abdominal strengthening exercises performed while propped up on pillows. Lee’s fellow performers are Hannah Blue, co-owner of the Downtown San Francisco studio and Lauren Dunning, a teacher at the Downtown San Francisco studio, both appearing in this DVD in their second trimester. As Lee puts it, this DVD “will help you feel strong during your pregnancy, will assist you in delivering your baby, and will snap you right back into shape.” Price: $20

The Bar Method Super Sculpting Workout
Bar Method founder Burr Leonard has packaged together the Bar Method's most fast-acting body-reshaping moves into one super-targeted 59-minute workout. The exercises include four sets of thigh work and the Bar Method's famous 'pretzel with the ball'.  Burr also utilizes the Bar Method ball to zero in on problem areas such as the inner thighs and seat. Burr's fellow performers are Chelsea Glavinovich, co-owner of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon Bar Method studios in San Francisco's East Bay. Keryun Dukellis and Mike Najjar are both teachers at the San Francisco's flagship Marina studio, and Tera Roth is a teacher at the Downtown San Francisco studio. If you want the quickest results possible, this is the workout for you! Price: $20

The Bar Method Super Sculpting II Workout
Tighten your seat-belts! Bar Method founder Burr Leonard puts the pedal to the metal in this 58-minute workout by combining her most aerobic variations, many of them never seen except in studios, with a fast-tracked pace. Included is five sets of thigh work, one of them performed with the Bar method ball and two sets of seat exercises that simultaneously challenge both legs. During the abdominal section, Burr leads safe, beautiful-looking sequences that sets abs on fire! Presenting the workout with Burr are Sharon Demko and Keisha Ramey-Presner, both teachers at the Bar Method flagship Marina studio in San Francisco and Juan Barba, a teacher at the Bar Method studio in Burbank, California. In Keisha's words, Super Sculpting II is “intense, but with reach for someone to work up to. The choreography is really fun, and Burr inspires you to do it." Price: $20

About The Bar Method
The Bar Method is full-body exercise program created by Burr Leonard. The workout utilizes a ballet bar fitness technique and draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy. The result is a noticeable “Bar Method” sculpted body featuring:
·         Firm, elongated muscles
·         Reduced body fat
·         High muscle definition in the chest
·         Improved posture
·         Long, narrow thighs
·         A lifted seat and defined hamstrings
·         Strong, flat abdominals
·         Increased stamina and energy
·         Extended youthfulness

About Burr Leonard, Founder of The Bar Method
Burr Leonard is the founder and creator of The Bar Method, a full-body exercise workout that utilizes a ballet bar technique. The method draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy. With 20 years of experience in the fitness field, she and her business partner have turned their one Bar Method studio into a franchise operation with 30+ studios and a media company selling exercise DVDs and accessories. Huffington Post, ABC News, KUSI TV, and KUSA-TV have featured Burr Leonard’s The Bar Method.

Find the Entry Form after the jump! Click "read more"

October 12, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Fall fun!

Working out the kinks with Rafflecopter

It seems the rafflecopter widgets are off, so please sit tight and check back later and they should be back to normal!! I've had really good feedback about doing giveaways this way, I'm very anxious to get the kinks worked out!
Thank you!!


October 5, 2011

How do you keep your family healthy and flu-free?

I have a huge fear-and that fear is of the flu. I don't know why I get so worked up about it, but since becoming a parent, my anxiety goes through the roof come flu season! I just hate to see my family miserable and sick. And as a mom, when I get sick, I don't have time to stop and rest like I need-So I look for any and all ways I can keep viruses at bay and keep my family healthy for as long as I can!
Something I've done over the years is to check in with my local homeopath. I know some people think that homeopathy is for the birds, but I for one love it! My kids and I will drink EmergenC for that extra "something", I love that they make a more kid friendly version too so my kids are more willing to give it a try!
We also drink an Echinacea tea, lots of immune boosting powers in a little cup of tea!!
I also tend to get a little crazy with the cleaning, especially around the time that school starts and the germ sharing begins! We wash our hands a little more often,  but always keep some lotion near by as that tends to dry our hands. My boys have learned early on that when they cough or sneeze, they turn their heads away and then wash their hands. I know it's hard for kids to remember to do that, but we all try our best!
I love to use a Lysol spray. It's great for toys, phones, door knobs and more!
I'm also obsessed with Lysol disinfecting wipes!! I love the feeling of a clean and sanitized house, but with two busy boys sometimes I need to skip that step of spraying before wiping and just go straight for the wipes that will get the job done-they are so handy! I carry them in my car too!
My kids aren't the only ones who bring in the germs though. My husband and I are vulnerable too-I give my husband a supply of antibacterial bottles to take to his work. I know that in his work environment, you can't always stop to wash your hands after you blow your nose, so these are handy to keep in pants pockets!
I always carry them in my purse too!
I know I can't keep my kids germ free, but I certainly do try-even if it is a little obsessive! I know that I am doing what I feel is best to keep my family healthy, and when we're healthy, we are happy!!
So tell me, what do you do to keep your family cold and flu free?

Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Lysol blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” 






Safe Space by Master Lock Review and Giveaway!!


Last year, we had our cars broken into. We unfortunately had a bad habit of leaving our keys in the ignition and my husband always kept his wallet in the car. I know, not very smart of us!! We learned a big lesson and have since taken every precaution that it doesn't happen again (knock on wood)! But sometimes, locking your car door isn't enough!
Master Lock has come out with a fantastic tool that I am excited about! The Safe Space is a secure storage unit that you can use when traveling, in school, or just for every day use when you go to work! The Safe Space is handy and easy to use! And knowing that Master Lock is behind this device, I trust it to be secure!
The features include:
  • Lightweight & Portable. Protects MP3 players, cell phones, cameras, gaming devices, cash, credit cards, jewelry, keys, passports, sunglasses or other small valuables
  • Lock Up & Lock Down. Lock up valuables with the cable wrapped tightly to the safe or wrapped securely around a fixed object. Cable doubles as a carrying handle
  • Durable Water-Resistant Construction
  • Set-Your-Own-Combination for locking convenience
  • Ear Bud/Charging Cable Access Port
  • Shock absorbing foam lines the interior storage area

I was sent my own Safe Space for review, so I quickly put it to work :D




I was able to fit my Ipod, camera, phone, and keys in the safe space! I set my own combination, and then I put it to work! It comes with a secure cable that you can attach to something fixed so that you have that added security-my husband at first questioned how well the Safe Space worked, he thought that just because it was locked didn't mean someone couldn't take it! But the super strong cable keeps it in the car right where I put it so he quickly changed his tune! And being the vain person I am, not only do I love how well the Safe Space works, I think it it's kind of cute too :D

Buy it: Aside from it's secure features, the Safe Space is affordable! Chances are pretty good you'll find it at a store near you!

Win it! One lucky reader will win a Safe Space by Master Lock of their own!







Entrants from the USA and Canada are eligible. Giveaway runs from 10/05/2011 and ends 10/22/2011 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be emailed 10/23/2011 with the subject line "You have won the Safe Space Giveaway"! As always, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner is chosen.
Disclosure: I rec'd a product for review, no other compensation was given. All opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

October 4, 2011

Think Pink with Sam's Club this month! {Giveaway}


As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many of us have been touched by this disease in one way or another, and Sam's Club is making it really easy for us to donate to cancer research this year!
Sam's Club is featuring pink packaging on many of your favorite General Mills products in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month!
What you can do is purchase your favorite products in their pink packaging, and then log online to PinkTogether.com and then YOU get to help decide where half of the donation will go-you can vote until April 14, 2012!
General Mills will be separating the donations and giving them to two programs: Treatment and Assistance, and  Prevention Research.

Sam's Club wants to encourage you to support the fight for breast cancer, and is offering once lucky reader an incentive!

Win it! One LWTS reader will win a $25 Sam's Club Gift Card!!

I will be trying out a NEW and IMPROVED way of doing giveaways, no more writing a million comments!! I'm excited to introduce Rafflecopter giveaways to Life With The Stevens!! Much easier and much faster to enter giveaways!!


Entrants worldwide are  eligible. Contest Ends on October 20th, at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced October 21st, 2011. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Sams Club Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.


Disclosure: The information and gift card(s) have been provided by Sam’s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.





October 3, 2011

Want to win some fabulous prizes, or even cash??


Happy 1st Birthday to my friend Katy at Katy's Creations!! She is having a birthday celebration and is giving away some amazing prizes!! Life With The Stevens is one of the sponsors and I'm donating a cash/Paypal prize!! Some of the other prizes offered are:





Let's help make this celebration a huge success as entries are super low! GO NOW!! Entries are easy, one prize person but at this point there are more prizes than entries so maybe you'll get lucky more than once!

October 2, 2011

CouponCabin's 25 Crazy Days Giveaway-prizes for readers AND bloggers!!


CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz is hosted bySimply StacieMakobi Scribe and Sassy Mama in LA and sponsored by CouponCabin.com, a leading online destination for coupons including coupon codes, printables, grocery coupons and more.



You won’t believe the AMAZING prizes that CouponCabin will be giving to readers who enter thegiveaway:
Grand Prize: MacBook Air (11-inch, 128GB; ARV $1,199)
First Runner Up: iPad2 (16GB, with Wi-Fi +3G; ARV $629)
Second Runner Up: $250 VISA Gift Card
Other Prizes: $100 VISA Gift Cards will be given out to four (4) additional winners
And here’s the BEST part… CouponCabin will ALSO be giving away the same awesome prizes to bloggers who participate in the giveaway hop:
The blogger who refers the most readers to the giveaway will win a MacBook Air
The blogger who refers the 2nd most readers to the giveaway will win an iPad2
The blogger who refers the 3rd most readers to the giveaway will win a $250 Visa Gift Card
Total Value of Prizes: $4,300!!
But WAIT. There’s more. Yes, It gets EVEN BETTER!!
Not only will each blogger who joins be eligible for the Blogger Prizes, they will also receive one (1) $20 Target Gift Card for every blog they refer who registers to participate in the event. Please note you cannot refer yourself. CouponCabin will send the Target Gift Cards at the end of the event in November.
We told you this was CRAZY!!
The main giveaway for these fantastic prizes will be held on the three host blogs and we will also feature a linky so that readers can hop to enter all the other giveaways on participating blogs. Reader entries will start on November 1st and go through November 25th.
Sign-up now to secure your spot!

How to Participate:

Sign up on the form HERE and send a $5 administrative fee (non-refundable) via Paypal to SassyScorpYM@gmail.com

When:

November 1 at 12:01 am EST to November 25, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be announced during a live event on Twitter on November 28th. Further details will follow at a later date.

Requirements for participating blogs:

  • Have a giveaway specifically for this event and cannot start before start time, or end before specified end time
  • Minimum prize/pack value of $25
  • Display the event button in your post so hoppers can easily identify it
  • Display the linky in your post to encourage hopping
  • Comply with proper disclosures, no entries that violate Facebook policies (i.e. requiring comments on walls), must follow FTC guidelines (no extras for making purchases, etc.)
  • Sign up for CouponCabin’s Blogger Email Newsletter. They will send you top coupons, promotion and giveaway announcements geared specifically for bloggers. There is no cost to joining their newsletter. By providing your email address at sign up, you will be automatically enrolled.
Since this event is sponsored by CouponCabin, we ask that your giveaway sponsor for this specific event not be in direct competition with them (ie. another coupon website).
Only bloggers who are participating in CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz are eligible for the Blogger prizes (Macbook Air, iPad2 and VISA Gift Cards).
The Blogger & Reader Prizes will be open to both US & Canada.

What does all this mean for you?

A great deal of traffic to your blog, opportunities to network with other bloggers and eligibility to win the Blogger prizes! Plus it will be lots of fun!

Want to take part in CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Hop?

Sign ups are open until October 7th, so hurry!! Please fill out the form (and say that Life With The Stevens referred you!) and submit your non-refundable administrative fee of $5 to SassyScorpYM@gmail.com We will email you within 24 hours to confirm your participation. Then please spread the word and tell others about this amazing hop and to say that YOU referred them!!