Showing posts with label contest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contest. Show all posts

Monday, October 10, 2011

GIVEAWAY! DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs



I recently learned of the most awesome home-party direct sales concept:DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES! This is a relatively new party sales program that was launched in 2007, and I was thrilled to receive a DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Starter Kit to facilitate my review courtesy of Dove Chocolate Discoveries and MomCentral Consulting. Later in this post, I'll provide details regarding a giveaway for a free Dove's Chocolate Discoveries Starter Package to one lucky reader!

In honor of Women’s Small Business month, I'd like to salute DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES which help to empower women entrepreneurs in their search for unique business opportunities while balancing career, family, community and self - whew! Many of you already know that I work full-time as an executive assistant for a national non-profit in addition to being a busy wife and mom - plus active in a number of professional and civic organizations or projects! My blog and other online board activities round out a full plate of activities and interests - now I'm researching the Dove Chocolate Discoveries opportunity as a party host this coming month. I'm planning on sharing these amazing chocolate sweet and savory products and recipes with lots of friends with the help of a local chocolatier consultant. The benefits of hosting a party are great, including monthly host and guest specials. They have all the latest trends in chocolate such as easy and convenient mixes and recipes for chocolatinis, fondues, decadent desserts, and meat rubs - I can't wait!

These are irresistable for holiday gifts as well as some "self indulgence"!


Visit their site to learn more about DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES as a unique way to fund raise for schools, make extra money for a family, and a way for stay-at-homes Moms to reenter the work force:
www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com
Dove Chocolate Discoveries Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/dovediscoveries
I'm please to host a giveaway of a DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Starter Kit (approx. value $150). Please visit the DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES website and post one comment on this blog to share "What you would do with the extra money you could earn as a DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier" by the deadline of October 16, 2011; 12 AM EST. US Residents only. Winner will be selected by random drawing on 10/17/11 and winner will be notified by email for mailing address information. Prize awarded will be mailed directly by DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES and MomCentral Consulting.


I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of DOVE Chocolate Discoveries and received a Starter Kit to facilitate my review.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Man of the House.com: World's Greatest TV Dads Competition



My father was always the King of the Castle at our home - now my hubs has embraced his role of Head of Household...our kids definitely view him as the "World's Greatest Dad" - and he has the coffee mug and t-shirt to prove it! So what qualities does the World's Greatest Dad possess to achieve such acclaim? My kid's dad and my own dad share a number of critical attributes: caring, honesty, responsbility, character, sense of humor, unfailing faith in the spouse and kids, massive work ethic, and putting the family first above work. My father (Gordon) passed away 4 years ago, but a day doesn't go by without a moment or two spent in quiet reflection of what a wonderful, if somewhat dysfunctional, man he was and how much his love and parenting impacted me and my parenting style!

Our life can sometimes feel like a bad sitcom...but some of those TV dads could make you crazy! Father's Day is quickly approaching, and I'm in the mood for some online fun to reminese about all the TV and real dads we celebrate in June-

The best TV Dads become iconic - capturing the ideal of a generation and changing radically over the years. From Ward Cleaver to Bill Cosby to Phil Dunphy, Dads on television dispense advice, act goofy, hold down 9-to-5 jobs, and approach raising their children with attitudes ranging from indulgence to deep understanding and acceptance.

ManoftheHouse.com, a leading online resource for Dads has come up the "World's Greatest TV Dad" tournament just in time for Father's Day. This bracket-style competition will pit 32 favorite father figures from television against each other for an audience-voted run at the title: which character best represents the ideal American Dad and will reign supreme this year?

Through June 16, visitors can choose their favorite TV Dads from seeded pairings on ManoftheHouse.com. Every Monday the next round of match-ups will be posted, and the field of contenders will be narrowed through the audience votes. The "World's Greatest TV Dad" will be announced just before Father's Day on Friday, June 17.

The pool of competitors were selected and seeded by the ManoftheHouse.com editorial team based up four criteria:
1. Shared household responsibilities
2. Relationship with children
3. Personal health/style/appearance
4. Work/family balance

In addition to voting for the winning Dad, ManoftheHouse.com wants Moms and Dads to weigh in on the attributes they believe make a good father and how this parenting paradigm has shifted over the last fifty years.

I've visited and participated - tell me your thoughts, too. What makes the dad(s) in your life the "World's Greatest" in your opinion?

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received promotional items to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Macaroni Grill & Wanchai Ferry At Home - Prize Pack Contest





Date-cation the new wave for cash and time-strapped couples? Hubs and I haved enjoyed special evenings together and they really help rev up a sometimes harried and hectic married/family life - we totally understand the value of investing time together to benefit our marriage! I've missed special date nights with my hubs because of our budget saving efforts. Thank goodness Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill At Home products have entered the picture to give us some well-deserved "couple time" together without busting the budget! These flavorful and easy to create meal kits provide deliciou taste, semi-homemade convenience, and some special time together at home for a fraction of the cost of a meal at a sit-down restaurant - plus we avoid the hassle of one-hour waiting for tables and less-than-ideal babysitter rates! I just crack out the nice dishes, some candles and put the kids down a bit early and relax with my special guy and a glass of my favorite wine! I even have a special dessert and a DVD planned...

Enjoy an Asian escape with Wanchai Ferry restaurant-inspired dishes by simply adding your own protein to delicious entrees like Cashew Chicken, Spicy Garlic Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken. Or bring the romance of Italian cuisine to your kitchen with Macaroni Grill favorites such as Chicken Piccata and Angel Hair Pasta, Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta, Chicken Alfredo with Linguine, Garlic & Herb Chicken Penne, and Chicken Marsala with Linguine.

So stay in and go all out!® Make your meal an experience by perhaps adding some ambiance with candles and flowers.

For more information and dinner tips, visit WanchaiFerryAtHome.com and MacaroniGrillAtHome.com. And be sure to follow Macaroni Grill on Twitter and "Like" the Facebook page to keep up with all of the latest news on your Macaroni Grill favorites!

Be sure to take advantage of this online coupon http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/198d/ for $1.50 off two packages of Wanchai Ferry and/or Macaroni Grill Dinner Kits!

PRIZE PACK CONTEST:
Enter my blog contest today to win a free Date Night Prize Package of one Wanchai Ferry dinner kit, one Macaroni Grill dinner kit, and a $25 Visa gift card to help you enjoy your own Special Date Night At Home. Please post a comment and tell me what your at-home Date-Cation plans will be. One lucky winner will be randomly selected from all entries received by Monday, 11/22; 12PM. Be sure to include your email contact information. Winner will receive the Prize Package directly from MyBlogSpark. Contest open to US residents only. Thank you for participating and Good Luck!


Wanchai Ferry, Macaroni Grill At Home and MyBlogSpark provided me with a prize package as well as a second prize package for a blog contest to facilitate my honest review.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Seventh Generation Fall Back to School

With nearly 22 million school days lost each year due to the common cold and flu (CDC) and as many as 2.7 million bacterial found per square inch on common school surfaces (NSF International), it’s no wonder that 82 percent of parents with kids in grades K-5 fret about the germs in their children’s classrooms (according to a survey conducted by Seventh Generation).

This school year, Seventh Generation is sharing tips from best-selling author and pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene, to help parents protect their child’s health during back-to-school season. Dr. Greene suggests taking the following precautions:

Optimize the immune system
Reap the benefits of probiotics like those found in yogurt. A recent study showed that children who received enough probiotics daily throughout the cold and flu season had a significant reduction in the number of illnesses they had and, when they did get sick, the symptoms were both milder and didn't last as long.

Be sure your child is getting plenty of vitamin D from the sun, from food, or from a supplement.

Build a strong foundation. Good food, good sleep, and good physical activity all help the immune system to flourish.
Be wise about reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful germs
Teach children the key times to clean their hands in the classroom. The most important times include after sneezing, coughing or using the restroom, upon leaving "high-risk" places (recess, naptime, play stations) and before meals or snacks.

Sixty percent of teachers surveyed said that they request that parents donate disinfecting wipes to the classroom. Seventh Generation’s disinfecting wipes kill 99.99% of germs* naturally using the active ingredient thyme, a component of thyme oil which is derived from the herb thyme.

Stress the importance of not touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Demonstrate to your children how to cover their mouth and nose for every cough and sneeze. This simple maneuver has spectacular results in decreasing the spread of viruses and bacteria floating about the room, waiting to be inhaled.
*Refer to disinfecting product labels for full details


You can also check out Seventh Generation on Facebook and Twitter today! Visit Seventh Generation on Facebook or Seventh Generation on Twitter and “Like” or “Follow” the brand to keep up with the latest news from Seventh Generation.

I received a Seventh Generation product, gift pack from Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark to help facilitate my review.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Back to School With Sam's Club and General Mills Box Tops


Back-to-School time is upon us, my daugher starts back next week! If you're like us, this is such a bittersweet time since back-to-school means the end of summer bliss, but also finds us excited about the new school year...and BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING!

For an easy solution, head to your local Sam's Club from August 11 (hey, that's TODAY!) through August 31 and you will earn cash for your favorite school through their General Mills Box Tops Program. At the Sam's Club Back-to-School event, you can get a head start on your collection and fine 6 Box Tops on particpating General Mills products. With your fav Box Tops for Education brands at a great value, Sam's Club will be your one-stop for all the supplies you need to send the kids off well fed and prepared to face the school year (at a great price)...we stocked up on our favorite Big G cereals!

I visited our local Sam's Club this week and found everything the kids needed for their school supplies including wipes, tissues, markers, notebooks, binders, pencils, and the most awesome Pentel Writing Pack with 19 useful pieces for a super low price! Love it!

In addition, Sam's Club is running a promotion for current members - if you upgrade to a "Plus Membership" from August 6-13 you can earn extra Box Tops for your school. Just visit the Member Services Desk of your local Sam's club and upon payment for your Plus Membership, you will receive a certificate for 150 Bonus Box Tops! For more information on how you can take advantage of this great offer, visit
and learn more about the great advantages of Sam's Club Membership:

www.SamsClub.com

CONTEST:
I am pleased to host a contest on my blog for a $25 Sam's Club gift card for you to help with school supplies. Please comment on this blog post and tell me which General Mills Box Top items you plan to purchase during the Sam's Club Back-to-School Event. One comment per person. A winner will be selected from all comments received via random draw. Deadline for entry is August 20, 2010. US residents only.

I received a Sam's Club prize pack of a $25 gift card and Plus Membership upgrade plus an additional package as a blog contest giveaway from Sam's Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark participation to help facilitate my candid review.

Nature Made SAM-e Complete - Contest

I have to be honest, some days can really get to me - ya know? I try to take good care of myself in mind, spirit and body, but a little bit of life can sometimes go a long way...

From the trusted brand, Nature Made, a supplement clinically proven to naturally support a healthy mood has now become part of my daily supplement routine which also features a multi-vitamin and immunity support. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound which helps to maintain a balanced mood. Ya know the adage that, "If momma ain't happy, then ain't nobody happy"?...well, this is definitely helping to put things into perspective for me and my family!

Nature Made SAM-e Complete helps replenish your body's natural levels of SAM-e which decrease with age. When taken daily, it can begin to help naturally restore a healthy mood in as little as 7-14 days. For more information, visit their website:

www.sam-e.com

I also wanted to let you all know about a cool campaign Nature Made SAM-e Complete recently launched called “Give a Smile,” http://www.sam-e.com/give-a-smile. They are working with Dream Factory, the second largest children’s wish-granting organization in the U.S., to grant the wishes of three children suffering from a critical or chronic illness. Through this campaign SAM-e will donate to a child’s wish for every social action you or your readers complete (like uploading an image to their mosaic). The more actions, the more SAM-e will donate. You can find out more about the program using the link above and learn how your actions lead to SAM-e donations!

I am pleased to have the opportunity to one of my readers for a chance to try Nature Made SAM-e by hosting a giveaway on my blog for a 3-month supply as well as a reusable water bottle, and journal. Please comment on my blog about what helps to put you in a better mood. One winner will be randomly selected from all entries. One entry per person. Contest deadline is August 14, 2010 12 AM.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nature Made and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review.

Summer Breakfast Adventure with General Mills


The summer is flying by (literally) - but we're "launching" a fun breakfast adventure with General Mills cereals including Trix with Fruitalicious Swirls! General Mills has partnered with Nickelodeon's The Penguins of Madagascar for an action-packed and nutritious breakfast. We are having flying penguins all over the house - and it's so much fun!!!

Inside specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals, you'll "commence opertions" with one of five characters from The Penguins of Madagascar, who we all loved from the Madagascar movie series. Each participating cereal box has a cool plastic launcher of Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private or King Julien. Use the launchers to join the penguins on "missions" like Dive In, Soldier; Longest Penguin Propulsion Launcher; Clear the Wall, or Target Practice. The missions are all outlined on the cereal boxes...The characters make a great team, and the new release of The Penguins of Madagascar Operation DVD Premiere with awesome DreamWorks animation. This is the world premiere of the Penguins Crew's feature-length DVD. My kids are having a blast at the breakfast table every morning while I really appreciate the Whole Grain nutrition.
The promotion is while supplies last. Please visit General Mills websites for more information:

www.GeneralMills.com
www.GrowUpStrong.com


ENTER TODAY!: I am pleased to host a blog contest for one lucky winner to receive a Big G Penguins Prize package of a box of Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher, and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier. Please post your comment on this blog and tell me which character from Penguins of Madagascar is your child's favorite? Contest ends on August 16, 2010; 12 AM. One winner will be randomly selected. Winner will be notified by email and must be a US resident.

I received a Big G Penguins Prize Package of a box of Trix, a launcher and copy of the DVD Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premiere from General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark as well as a second prize package to be sent to the blog contest winner to help facilitate my review.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Cool Perfection in the Heat of Summer-Contest


Wow, is it just me...or is it really, really hot out there???

We've been hitting the local rec pool this summer for some cooling relief, but the evenings are just perfect for a cold treat. I love to add some of the new Breyers Smooth & Dreamy frozen treats to our dessert menu. They are also great to add to a picnic tote for the pool or beach! I have been a Breyers girl for a long time - nothing can compare with their all natural vanilla, in my opinion! With six rich and creamy flavors such as Chocolate Carmel Brownie, Vanilla Caramel chip, Chocolate chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Vanilla Fudge Brownie, and Triple Chocolate chip, these amazing bars and sandwiches offer a little something cold and declicious for everyone. There are no artificial flavors or colors and sport only 160 calories or less and 4-6g of fat per serving - great for helping to stay bathing suit ready!

Breyers is currently hosting a fun contest, Breyer's Wheel of Delights Instant Spin and Win, on their website located at:
http://www.smoothanddreamy.com

Be sure to visit and enter today!


My friends at Mom Central and Breyers have provided me with four coupons for a free box of the Breyers Smooth & Dreamy treats. I have four coupons to give away to my readers. Please post a comment on this blog and tell me which Breyers Smooth and Dreamy flavor you would like to try. I will randomly select four winners from all entries. One entry per person. Open to US residents only. Be sure to include a method of contact so I can reach you if you are a winner. Please post your comment by 12 AM Saturday, August 7, 2010. If winner cannot be reached, an alternate winner will be selected. Thank you for participating!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Share The Table:Delicious Meals With Barilla



Barilla Pastas and Sauces continue to be a family sanity-saver at our home! We really enjoy their delicious, light sauce recipes and wholesome pastas for our weekly pasta dinner nights. That's one of the "tricks" I incorporate into my meal planning to ensure a number of full house dinner table gatherings for us. Our schedules become hectic once school begins this fall, so I was thrilled to discover the great, innovative recipes at www.BarillaUS.com

Chef Mario Batelli really sparked my cooking imagination as I gathered the kids to help prepare a wonderfully easy and nutritious meal from his recipes available on the Barilla website. We tried the Basic Tomato Sauce with their hearty wholegrain pasta - magnifico! The sauce even has the added benefit of fresh grated carrots to help everyone get some added veggies! Serve with some fresh garlic bread and tossed salad makes for a lovely evening without stressing out the cook! Be sure to try the Barilla Whole Grain pasta and Take The Barilla Challenge - visit to learn more: www.TryBarillaWholeGrain.com
If you don't love it, you'll get a free box of your favorite Barilla Pasta.

Here are some fun tips from Mario for Sharing the Table at your home:
* Dont' begin to clear the table until everyone has finished eating - linger awhile.
* Serve dessert separately from dinner - a little later and with new place setting - so you have a reason to sit down together again.
* When conversing at the table, don't interrogate your kids - let questions come naturally.
* Linger at the table after the last bite has been eater - tell a joke or a family story.



“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Barilla and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review..”

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Kelly Confidential-Electrolux Summer Giveaway


I just entered the Splits for a Cause to donate $1 to help fight ovarian cancer at:
www.Kelly-Confidential.com
Read on to learn about the project and also enter my blog contest to win a $25 American Express gift card for your summer ice cream wishes as directed below:

Kelly Ripa doesn’t normally like to dish about the latest break ups. But sometimes a split can be a good thing.

In celebration of Electrolux Appliance’s new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer – that’s right, the familiar duo has split up – Kelly teamed up with the “Emperor of Ice Cream” Stephen Bruce, owner and founder of Serendipity 3, the landmark New York City restaurant and dessert spot.

The pair teamed up to make banana splits for a cause. Starting today, at www.Kelly-Confidential.com, people can build their ultimate banana split using virtual ingredients from classic whipped cream to caramel sauce to rainbow sprinkles. For each “split”, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund as part of its $750,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer .

“This is the kind of split that leaves you chilled … but in a good way,” laughed Ripa. “This is a cool campaign for an even cooler cause.”

Serendipity 3’s ultimate banana split recipes are also available on the site – sure to inspire incredible ice cream confections from experts and novices alike.

“Banana splits are classic,” said Bruce. “But there are lots of ways to jazz them up. Bananas are a must…everything else is up to you!”

To encourage people to help spread the word, everyone who logs on to the site and builds a split will be automatically entered for a chance to win the daily prize – $50 towards sweet summer treats – and the grand prize: the new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer from Electrolux.

$25 American Express Gift Card Contest for your own "Ice Cream Wishes":
One randomly selected entry will receive a $25 American Express gift card via postal mail. Please comment on this blog about your own Summer Ice Cream Wish to be entered. One entry per person. US residents only. One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries received at the deadline on July 15, 2010. Please be sure to include your email address so I can contact the winner.

I received a $25 American Express gift card from MomSelect as well as an additional $25 American Express gift card to distribute as a contest prize to help facilitate my review and posting.

Thank you for reading and participating in the contest!
Good luck in your entry for the Electrolux contest as well as this blog contest.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Awesome Yoursphere Contest-Enter Now



Create Your Future This Summer Contest-Enter Now


http://yoursphere.com/teen/create-your-future-summer

What is your dream for your future?
Tell us, and you may be one of two lucky Yoursphere winners!
Enter now. Scholarship winners will be selected on June 28th.
What do you need to do achieve your dream?

Attend a special class like music, dance, art or science this summer? Go to camp? Earn money to help pay for college? Whatever your dream is, Yoursphere is here to help it come true.

Fill out and submit this form. You may be one of the two members that will receive $250.*

DEADLINE: Monday, June 28 9 a.m. PT
*The funds will be sent directly to the school or camp you will be attending unless your parent provides proof of pre-payment. Or you may choose to receive a U.S. Savings Bond for $500 instead.

Before you get started, the application asks for details about your activity (like how much it costs), and there are four essay questions

My daughter submitted to be considered for attendance at the Morean Arts Center Summer Camp - it would be amazing if she is selected! She worked hard on her submission since it's such an important opportunity.

Good luck on your child's entry - see you on Yoursphere!
We look forward to connecting with you on Yoursphere.com
Great family friendly social networking site: www.Yoursphere.com Use our referral code for free registration: YSMC-0063




I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Pillsbury Brownie Contest



The Perfect Summer Treat:
Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream....the ideal summer treat is now easier and fudgier than ever!

With a taste as delicious and authentic as if you baked them at home, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a blend of 3 types of cocoas with real chocolate syrup and milk chocolate chunks to make a delicious fudgy brownie-they´re the perfect solution when you´re pressed for time. Add personal flair to these already-baked brownies with your own decorations, frosting, caramel or powdered sugar! With a straight-out-of-the-oven flavor without the time or clean-up, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a great treat for any occasion!

In addition, when purchasing Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies at Sam´s Club, you have the chance to support your local school with Box Tops for Education. Each package of Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies has 6 Bonus Box Tops that can be redeemed to earn cash for the K-8 school of your choice.

I am hosting a blog giveaway contest courtesy of Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark:

One winner selected at random from those posting a comment in the Comments will receive a Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies gift pack that includes $25 Sam´s Club gift card to use to purchase the brownies, Betty Crocker frosting, and a large container for transporting the brownies.

One entry per person. Please tell me your perfect summer event, gathering or activity you will be hosting or attending in which Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies will be a star attraction. All entries must be received by June 15, 2010. Winning entry will be contacted - please include your contact information. If non-responding, an alternate winner will be contacted. Prize winner will be mailed prize directly. Must be a U.S. resident. Good luck and thank you for participating!

I received a Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies Gift Pack to help facilitate my review. I was also provided an additional Gift Pack as a prize giveaway from Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Playtex Bra Contest Promotion-Fit The Girls!

I have the hardest time finding the "perfect bra"...Do slipping straps, riding up backs, or not enough support have you ready to write a Dear John letter to your old bras? Apply for a Bra Makeover from Playtex! Seven out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can result in an ill fit for the rest of their outfit, back and shoulder pain, as well as bruising and digging.

We know that busy moms don't always have time to update their bras or even check to make sure they are wearing the correct size. That's why we wanted to let you know about this contest from Playtex! Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette 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 for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein 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.

By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Real women have real bra problems, Playtex wants you to kiss those bra problems goodbye. Check out www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com for more information.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

P&G Thank You Mom Reunion Contest



I haven't seen my mom in over 15 years....yes, that's FIFTEEN YEARS! She has never seen my 11 year old daughter or seen our son since he was a baby - such a tremendous bridge to cross...she's a good person with some heavy baggage. We've stayed in touch by phone and mail, but it's never as good as being together for a real visit.

We have overcome many obstacles in our lives, and I think the time is ripe for a wonderful reunion - soon. I recently learned about an amazing contest hosted by Proctor & Gamble "Thank You Mom Reunion". I submitted my entry last night, and I'm praying for a miracle to see Mom and tell her in person what a powerful force she has been in my life - even from a distance. Here's the details:

Thank You Mom Reunion Contest

http://bit.ly/PGtymO2O

You could win $1,000 and a video camera for a special reunion with your mom or mother-figure!!!

Proctor & Gamble is kicking off the "Thank You Mom Reunions" contest to reunite Moms and their children for milestone family moments they otherwise might have missed.

“Thank You Mom Reunions” will bring together 105 moms with their children, who are unable to do so on their own. (15 per month for a 10 month campaign.)

You are invited to log onto www.thankyoumom.com and enter to win a travel voucher to help cover the cost of a special reunion with their mom or mom figure in their life.

How Someone Can Win a Thank You Mom Reunion:

Entrants must submit a 100 word essay describing why they’d like to be united with their mom.

Consumers vote for their favorite entries.

15 winners will be chosen every month through November.

Winners will also receive a portable digital video camera to capture their reunion and are encouraged to share the video on www.ThankYouMom.com.

WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR ENTRY - WE ALL LOVE OUR SPECIAL MOMS!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Not Your Momma's Melba Toast




Our family has always loved Old London Melba Toast...a classic taste for contemporary times. It is truly a snack that is far from ordinary. I find them available at local grocery and supercenters in the $3-4 per box range...

A great variety of bold, new flavors of Melba Toast feature
- Spicy Pepper
- Sesame
- Roasted Garlic
- White Cheddar
- Whole Grain
- Sea Salt

Perfect anytime plain - or let your creative juices flow. Wow, snack time and special events really come alive with these delicious crisps and your recipe! Old London's web site has some outstanding recipes for you to try:
www.oldlondonfoods.com

I tried the Chocolate Pistachio Crunch and was thrilled with the smoothness and surprising crunch!

Old London Melba Toast is currently sponsoring a fun contest on their website:

“Dance Your Way to Hollywood” will send one lucky winner and a guest to Tinseltown for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, including private dance lessons and tickets to watch the taping of a highly popular television show. The four-day, three-night, all-expenses-paid experience includes air travel and accommodations at a popular Hollywood hotel. Sweepstakes entries accepted March 17 through June 30, 2010.

Register today for your chance to Dance Your Way to Hollywood - I already have:

http://www.toastforeverydayhealth.com


“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Old London Melba Toast and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Monday, May 3, 2010

The Changing Room - She Colors My Day Update


Earlier this month, my daughter Kristen and I introduced you the She Colors My Day project- the now worldwide movement which embarks upon a global journey to create for a cure. Inspired by a mother's infinite love, this ever widening circle of caring will benefit Susan G. Komen for a Cure ® and The Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund. Thank you for your support!

To continue giving back to women everywhere, Cristina has published her first interactive journal, "The Changing Room: A Mother's Journal of Gratitude to Her Little Girl." This interactive journal by Cristina Carlino and YOU captures all those astonishing parenting moments before they fade into the swirl of everyday life. Throughout the book, Cristina shares her personal story and asks questions that inspire you to remember those first precious years of motherhood. This journal is a special place for your memories, drawings and letters. One day it will become a priceless keepsake for your daughter. (For more on The Changing Room, click onto this video link: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=107098785997769)

Cristina's friend, actress Mariska Hargitay is in love with the book, and she and Cristina have joined forces for her Joyful Heart Foundation, benefiting survivors of rape, incest and abuse. The neat thing is 100% of the net proceeds for The Changing Room will go to Joyful Heart.


Mariska says this about the book:


"This beautiful and rare journal is an expression of the exquisite and tender delight Cristina takes in motherhood. As if by magic, the journal opens doors into the most precious terrain where the miracles of childhood transform into memories large and small. What a gift to be led to this place of wonder, joy and gratitude. And we are so pleased that 100% of the net proceeds from this book are being donated to the Joyful Heart Foundation. Thank you, Cristina!"

To celebrate the season of mothers and the release of The Changing Room, Cristina is hosting a WISHES FOR MY LITTLE GIRL PHOTO CONTEST on her Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/cristinacarlino). Five winners will receive a free copy of The Changing Room.

To enter Cristina's Wish and Photo Contest, Wishes for My Little Girl, click onto Cristina's Facebook Fan Page, and post your favorite photo of the little girl in your life -- it can be your daughter, a niece, a neighbor, the daughter of a friend. All our little girls need our wishes. Tell us of a big wish you have for this little wondrous person.Winners will be determined by the number of "Likes" they receive from other Cristina Carlino Fans, so invite your friends to Cristina's fan page and vote! Hurry! Contest ends on Monday, May 10th.

MomSelect will also be holding a Twitter discussion on May 10th and we'd love for you to attend. We would like to urge you to chime in, tell your story, and offer support or inspiration. And if you 'create' or are in the process of expressing your voice through art (painting, sketching, singing- anything) please share* your creations with us so we can inspire others to make a difference and color someone's day who is in need. Details to come.

Monday, February 22, 2010

The View

I have been an avid fan of the fun, feisty ladies of "The View" for over 5 years. I have always adored Barbara Walters, and her co-hosts offer conversation and topics for deeper consideration. I have to TiVo since I'm working during the broadcast, but each weekly show gives me something to laugh about and more to think about!

Last Friday's edition was no exception (Friday, 2/19) -
unfortunately the media spectacle of Tiger Wood's public apology - let's call it a "Oh That Dog! Fest", tied in well with The View's "2nd Annual Mutt Show"...putting the start about 30 minutes behind schedule. Since the show is taped, I'm certain there will be some great conversation in today's show (Monday, 2/22) about his assertions and future as a sports icon.

I'm so excited to share that I have been selected to serve as an ambassador for "The View"! Also, there is a great contest to enter: The View sweepstakes that’s currently being run on our Mom Central website. One lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive a trip to New York City to watch a taping of The View! The sweepstakes is open until February 28th. Here is a link to our sign-up survey for this sweepstakes: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22A5X7KF2CZ


Be sure to visit The View’s homepage. http://theview.abc.go.com/

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

Monday, December 7, 2009

Inspired Entertaining With Nancy's Appetizers - CONTEST!





Now that the holiday season is in full-swing, I love to host gatherings with friends and family - both large and small - to bring us together and connect. It can be challenging with work, home, family and other social/civic obligations...but I have a friend in my freezer! Nancy's Frozen Appetizers help me provide a lavish spread of delicious treats without any fuss or budget-busting drama! Each is well-made and elegant - quick to warm in the oven or even thaw-and-serve! The Pin Wheels are a family favorite! I hosted a fabulous girls-only make up party this weekend featuring Nancy's Appetizers for snacks, and they were literally "gobbled up" by my appreciative guests - all without any stress or toil! I could relax and enjoy the fun with my guests rather than being in the kitchen cooking and serving.

From cheese soufflés, to mushroom turnovers, crab cakes, petite quiches, and pastry tarts, the Nancy's line serves up a delectable spread that has something for everyone. With the price-point of $4 to $13 per package, they can fit easily with your entertaining budget. Add them to the list of items to stock up on at your local grocery or club store to keep on hand for spontaneous drop-ins! You can find the nearest store to pick up Nancy's or go online to find entertaining tips and recipes at www.Nancys.com.

CONTEST:
I am excited to host a blog contest for one lucky winner. Winner will receive a coupon for Free Any one 12 ct Nancy's Frozen Appetizer (expires 4/30/10) to try and enjoy! Please post your comment below with your favorite party planning secret. One entry per person, please. All entries must be received by 12/14/09. Winner will be selected by random drawing from all entries received and notified by email on 12/15/09. If unable to contact, a subsequent entry will be notified. US residents only.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nancy’s Appetizers and received 2 coupons to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate."

Monday, September 28, 2009

CONTEST: Wendy's High School Heisman Scholarship Awards and Gift Card



My son is now a fresh-person in college, studying at our community college. He achieved the Florida Brightfutures Scholarship which provides considerable assistance, and we're so very proud of his accomplishments! The process can be daunting, but with perseverence - he really pulled his own and got the job done-all the while participating in high school soccer (GO GLADIATORS!, completing his volunteer assignments with the YMCA, and working part-time to help the fam and give himself a few extra $$$$. He seems to be enjoying the rigors of college study with the intention of completing his Associate's Degree at junior college and then moving to a larger state school to earn his Bachelor's in a chosen field....

With college admissions growing more and more selective, the Wendy's High School Heisman program presents a great opportunity to help those students who have managed to balance so much, stand out. This award celebrates high school seniors who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement; in essence, recognizing them for all of the things they already do. Colleges want to see well-rounded students who demonstrate dedication and commitment, making this program especially relevant and accessible.

High school seniors who have a 3.0 average or higher, participate in a school-sponsored sport and contribute to their community can apply at www.WendysHeisman.com, or a high school educator, guidance counselor, or coach can nominate them. As a little reward, the first 41,100 applicants will receive a free Wendy's gift card in amounts ranging from $5 to $50. One male and one female from each high school will win the award and continue on in competition for state and national awards. Twelve national finalists will participate in Heisman Weekend festivities during an all-expenses-paid trip Dec. 11-13 to New York City. ESPN2 will feature all 12 national finalists during the Wendy's High School Heisman Awards Ceremony, which airs Dec. 13. The Wendy's High School Heisman website will display the names of all applicants and individual school winners on October 22, 2009.

Here's the scoop directly from their website - ACT TODAY SINCE THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS OCTOBER 1:

Criteria and How to Apply
For the past fifteen years, Wendy's Restaurants have teamed up with the Heisman Memorial Trophy Committee to create the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. The award honors both male and female high school students who excel in academics, athletics and student leadership.

Criteria for Application
We want applications from both male and female student athletes who exhibit excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and within their communities. Eligibility for application is limited exclusively to men and women whose senior year of high school is the 2009–2010 academic year, who have at least a “B” grade average, and participate in at least one of 27 sports. We want to hear from all student athletes who work hard, are dedicated, and have become role models for underclassmen.

The Application Process
A student begins the application process by selecting Apply Now! An account must be created with name, address, and email information. It is here that students establish their own User ID and password, which will be required to log in, as often as needed prior to the deadline, to complete the application.

Once the account is created, the student can launch the online application. At the initial launch, the student must answer eligibility questions.

Eligible students will then proceed to the remaining sections of the application. They will describe their school involvement, athletic participation and leadership, and relate experiences from community involvement activities. In addition, the student must provide an accurate email address of a school official who will log in to review the application and its contents, and confirm its accuracy.

All of this must be done prior to 5:00 p.m., central time, October 1, 2009.

Applicants should plan on submitting their application in September to allow time for the review.
The reviewer must submit by 5:00 p.m., central time, on October 6.
Very Important Notes
Students must remember their User ID and password until October.
Save the application frequently while logged in.
Log out if you leave the computer.
Be assured your personal, private information will not be shared with anyone outside of the Wendy's High School Heisman Program and selection committee.
Security concerns prevent the use of bookmarks to return to pages within the application. It is recommended, however, to bookmark THIS page.
One of the common oversights is failure to submit prior to the deadline. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., central time, on Thursday, October 1. Reviewers must submit their review no later than 5:00 p.m., central time, on Tuesday, October 6, in order for applications to be considered.

You can follow the selection results online at www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com.

I urge you to enter your college-bound candidate today! As a special incentive, I am also running a blog contest FOR A $20 WENDY'S GIFT CARD, COURTESY OF WENDY'S AND MOM CENTRAL:
Please post a comment below about your special High School Heisman candidate and receive an entry. Please be sure to include contact information.

For an extra entry: Follow me on Twitter: @OtterKim
and post a comment indicating that you have and you will receive an additional entry. Maximum 2 entries total per person. I will do a random draw from all eligible entries on October 4, 2009 12:00 midnight. The winner will be contacted for mailing of the prize - must be a US resident. Good luck!

Thank you for participating.


"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Wendy’s and received a gift certificate to giveaway and to thank me for taking the time to participate."

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Unilever Helping By MakingLifeBetter...and Contest

Be sure to check out your Sunday Newspaper this weekend (April 5):

Unilever brands are offering a sweeeet deal for your holiday meals....

In full color insert in our St Petersburg Times today had a pull out with up to $11 in savings on pantry staples including Bertolli, Breyers, Lipton soup mixes, Knorr mixes, Knorr Pasta Sides, Country Crock, Skippy Peanut Butter, Ragu plus several health/beauty products such as Caress, Vaseline, and Axe.

BEST OF ALL:
There's a mail-in rebate offer for up to a $20 value free ham or turkey if you purchase any ham or turkey and $40 worth of Unilver products:

The coupon Unilever is offering where you can get up to $20 back on your ham or turkey purchase by mail when you buy $40 in Unilever products during the month of April. The coupon will be in Newspapers this Sunday, April 5th.

For more information, visit http://www.makinglifebetter.com so you can also check out the site.
Also be sure to visit my good friends at MomCentral: http://www.MomCentral.com to get additional tips and information about parenting and other relevant topics.

SPECIAL CONTEST OPPORTUNITY:

Post a comment on my site between now and end of contest April 20, 2009 12 Midnight EST. Provide your favorite Easter or Passover holiday family meal memory including your contact information. One winner will be randomly selected from all posts received to win a $25 Target Gift Card to help with holiday shopping! Winner will be contacted via information provided and prize will be mailed to winner via US Mail.

Thank you for reading and participating - Good Luck and Have a Wonderful Week!