Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event $25 Gift Card Giveaway 8/17 (US) Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Mari said...

I follow and I do have a rewards card.

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

August 1, 2011 9:17 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and Mari has 48 hours to respond before a new winner has been selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Whenever it gets close to back to school, I equate it to the Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event as that's one of the things I remembered last year.  Beginning July 31st, it's BAAAACK!  Did you hear all the clapping and whistles??  Okay, maybe not but in our economy, anytime we can save a buck, it's worth venturing out for.  Even though many of us are thinking back to school, the Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event is including the beginning of some summer deals.


From July 31st through August 17th, you can save on tons of brands across over 100 different categories from PepsiCo (we're cheering thanks to the Pepsi Refresh Grant process), General Mills (my kids are cheering and you know why), Kimberly Clark and much more.  These big savings will be across the Kroger Family of Stores to include Ralphs, King Scoopers, Dillons, Jay C Food Stores and many others.


Want more savings?  Beginning August 3rd through August 16th, you can also download exclusive offers on ore of your favorite brands to your shopper card by visiting http://bit.ly/cartbustersavings.  Keep checking back on http://bit.ly/cartbustersavings for daily deals and all the details.


*Please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores for participating dates and deals. The Deal of the Day promotion is not valid at: Fred Meyer or Food 4 Less.

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will win a $25 Kroger Gift Card.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me if you have a Kroger Shopper's card.


Extra Entries:

• Follow Kroger on Twitter
• Like Kroger on Facebook 
• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries
• Blog about this giveaway - five entries - can be done once
• Link this giveaway on another giveaway linky - leave url of linky - can be done up to 10 times for two entries
• Subscribe to my blog - two entries
• Like me on Facebook 
• Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway ends 8/17 at midnight (mountain standard time) - Winner selected via random.org

US only please

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!


Disclosure: The Kroger gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Mattel's New Fijit Friends are Way Cool

Have you heard or seen of Mattel's Fijit Friends?  I hadn't until I was chosen to host a party for my daughter's friends and I cannot wait!  They are adorable little robots that interact with your child's voice and music.  You have the choice to play their music or your own and they will show you some dance moves.  Although they take five batteries, it's well worth it as these soft little guys are fun!

Stay tuned for our party!

Party It Up with Adorable Baby Clothing: Elegant & Minnie Mouse Zebra Theme

Having a party or need to find those perfect outfits for a special occasion or pictures?  I buy my formal wear and special occasion clothing through the best place available online.  Not only do I get an unmatched quality but I get individualized customer service with even an e-mail smile.  Adorable Baby Clothing is the place for your children's clothing especially for formal wear.  My closets are full of now heirloom quality clothing that I am passing down through my children and now my grandchild.

Check out this new adorable dress that can be personalized:

This would make a perfect first party dress for your little princess.  There are other colors available as well as sizes and matching fancy pants.

I have a post on our Minnie Mouse party we had last summer and when I saw this Minnie Mouse zebra tutu, I only wished it were available for our party.  Check it out:

I love it!  Our theme was pink with a zebra print accent.  You could have your little princess wear the first dress for greeting guests and then change into the tutu dress for some loud crazy fun that your guests will never forget.

You have to top off the outfit with an equally fun birthday hat:

If you are thinking of having a Minnie Mouse party, check out my pictures and you can read the entire post here.

  

 

ReNew’s Young Adult Education Initiative for Digestive Health & $50 GC Giveaway 8/18 (US) - Winner Closed

Congratulations to...

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

subscriber!

zestywonderland@gmail.com

August 19, 2011 1:51 AM

An e-mail has been sent and she/he has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Thanks to all those who entered!

A healthy diet is always a good habit to form regardless of age.  It seems that there is only one other group that has a harder time in ensuring good digestive health and that are young adults.  It's so easy to skip over the good foods and head over to the fast food and other junk foods so readily available.  It's common to hear that a good diet full of high fiber, low in processed carbs/sugar and an additional supplement of an all natural probiotic might be a good trio in helping our digestive systems stay up to par.  ReNew Life, The Digestive Care Company, understands that many young adults don't realize how much a good digestive system can help you maintain comfortable bowel movements as well.  This reminded me of my two cousins who both had issues with their bowel movements as young adults and now that I remember how they both ate, I understand why.


Signs and Symptoms of Impaired Digestion:

Gas and bloating [D]

Occasional diarrhea [G]

Occasional constipation [F]

Heartburn and GERD [B]

Indigestion

Irritable bowel (IBS) [E]

Leaky gut

Liver toxicity [A]

Fatigue

Weight gain

Low energy

Dry/oily skin

Headaches/migraines

Allergies

Brain Fog

Yeast overgrowth [C]

There are other areas that can help improve the gut such as taking a dose of an all natural probiotic within two to three hours of taking an antibiotic.  I had no idea but it makes sense given what antibiotics are made to do.  Daily exercise is also key to not only overall health but it aids in a healthy metabolism and digestive system.  My two younger children don't eat as healthy as I like and my youngest has bowel issues where I have to give her a pediatric laxative from time to time.  I need to start giving her a probiotic due to how they help.  In case you are wondering, here is what they are:



Probiotics:

Each of ReNew Life's probiotic supplements are high-potency, multi-billion-count formulas combines clinically proven probiotic strains in fewer capsules to ensure maximum effectiveness.  They also have an advance Enteric-Guard technology to help protect the active probiotics from harsh stomach acid thus transporting them directly to the intestines.  There are many varieties and you can click here to find the one best for you.

If you have any young adults, let them know the importance of a good digestive system.  Just remember that for all of us, we need to take steps to protect our health:

1. Eat a good diet rich in fiber and low in carbs/processed sugars
2. Exercise 
3. Take a probiotic supplement daily and within 2-3 hours post antibiotic ingestion.
4. Having 2-3 bowel movements a day is healthy

As part of my program for a healthier digestive system, I'm going to review, at a later date, ReNew's Diet Start Cleanse.

Until then, all you young adults, learn about keeping that potty humor in the know as it will make you feel better even if the topic may be unpleasant!

_____________________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive a $50 GC to ReNew Life.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you are taking any probiotics currently.

Extra Entries:

• Like ReNew Life on Facebook
• Follow ReNew Life on Twitter
• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/18 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I received a product to review in exchange for this post and giveaway.

Nivea's Meet Rihanna Skin2Skin Photo Challenge Prize Pack Giveaway 8/14 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Cataroo said...

I am a new e-mail subscriber! kitty32504 at cox dot net August 14, 2011 10:06 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Kitty and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Did you know Nivea has been around for 100 years?  I had no idea but I remember growing up seeing Nivea as a child and never really thought about the longevity of the brand.  After 100 years, to me, that shows something about the product and company.   I posted before about the Nivea Skin2Skin Challenge where you could win a chance to meet Rihanna and more.  All you have to do is show how you get skin2skin with your loved one with the new #skin2skin Photo Challenge App.  The contest ends on August 8th at 3:00 pm (PDT) so you still have time to enter here.

There will even be daily prizes and as a frequent winner on Facebook, I do enjoy my surprises in the mail so don't miss out as you have nothing to lose!  

About NIVEA:

NIVEA is manufactured by Beiersdorf with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. Beiersdorf is a global skin care company whose brands include NIVEA, the world's largest skin care brand, as well as NIVEA Body Wash, NIVEA Lip Care, NIVEA for Men, Eucerin, Aquaphor and La Prairie. With close to 130 years of history, the company employs 19,000 people worldwide and generated sales of almost $7.5 billion in 2010.

___________________

The Giveaway:

• NIVEA Beach Balls
• NIVEA Touch of Smoothness body wash
• NIVEA Hydra IQ Lotions
• NIVEA Creme tin
• NIVEA Lip Care
• Assorted NIVEA products For Men

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me your favorite Rihanna song.

Extra Entries:

• Enter the Rihanna Skin2Skin Photo Challenge - confirm if you did in your comment
• Tweet: Who loves @Rihanna? Enter NIVEA’s #skin2skin challenge to meet Rihanna and much more at http://on.fb.me/mKAA0n! PLS RT!  (for two entries - can be done daily)
  
• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/14 at midnight (PST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I will be receiving a prize pack for posting.

DreamWorks Pictures' The Help Giveaway 8/18 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ..

 Operation Sweet Dreams said...

I follow you on Facebook.

July 31, 2011 12:33 PM

An e-mail has been sent - thanks to all those who entered!

Get ready because on August 10th, DreamWorks Pictures is ready to release The Help.  This number one best seller on the New York Times list is coming to a theater at long last.  Set during the 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi, The Help is about the relationship between three different women who are also extraordinary.  As they build this unlikely friendship through a secret writing project, they continue to break societal rules which results in consequences.  I can honestly say that I have not read the book but based on reading what I have on the movie, I'm pretty sure that I would like this movie.  It has all the makings of one of those heart warming, funny yet thought provoking lessons to learn.  I always gravitate to strong women characters especially those with an unlikely pairing that are able to conquer. 

Here are some fun facts about The Help:

• It remained on the NYT best-seller list for 103 weeks - six of which were number one.
• Tate Taylor, director and screenplay write for The Help, and author of The Help Kathryn Stockett were childhood friends who grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.
• Local chefs were used to make the food from the scenes.
• Cast members spent an entire day learning period dances to include the Bunny Hop which was taught by cast member, Sissy Spacek.

For those of you who have not read the book or already have and want to get your friends together for a book club, check out The Help Book Club Kit here.

____________________________

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will win this great The Help prize pack:

• THE HELP t-shirt in adult female sizes of S, M, L, XL
• THE HELP pocket jotter & pen
• THE HELP fan
• THE HELP nail file/mirror

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you read the novel.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" The Help on Facebook
• Follow The Help on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Add this giveaway to other linky giveaways (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each - please leave URL)


Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!


Giveaway ends 8/18 at midnight (MST) - Winner selected via random.org

*Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post.

I Love the Modern Mexico New Fall Fashion Line from Tea Collection Children's Clothing

Many people love fall because it's a change of clothing but it's also a reminder that school is soon to start.  With school, there is the pilgrimage to the stores to buy the latest children's clothing.  Shopping can be fun but sometimes, I prefer to shop online and having a store I can rely on to provide what I see online compared to what I actually receive is important to me.  If you read my blog, you know we moved as far west in Texas as you can get.  We are so close to Mexico, you could walk across the bridge.  The reason I'm telling that tidbit of information is to introduce you to the new Tea Collection Modern Mexico fall line of clothing for 2011.  This was something I couldn't wait to provide a review for because it's clothing of course but also because the theme is Mexican!  I love the culture of Mexico and knew when I signed up for this opportunity, I would love it.


The Modern Mexico line is inspired by pop culture, vibrant bustling markets, giant paper flowers and artisanal crafts.  They are clothes with character and not your ordinary looking clothing as you can see by the pictures of my fashionista above.  I love the simpleness of the cuts of the dresses but I adore the prints.  I like the vibrancy of the hues that were mixed and how they fit.  They are airy and comfortable and my favorite part, they wash without wrinkles!  They are as gorgeous online as they are in person.  They are definitely a carefree type of pattern yet they would make some great outfits for school pictures.

Whether you are looking for girls clothing, boys clothing or baby clothes, Tea Collection has a huge variety of choices.  

   

Other Features of Tea Collection:

• Free shipping on orders over $150, $7 on everything else
• Easy to search categories
• 10% savings upon e-mail update sign up on first purchase
• Can return any item to include sale items (read here for full information)
• Reusable gift wrap option
• Gift certificates
• Option to receive catalog
• Refer a friend program <-- excellent deal
• Stay up to date with Tea on Twitter and Facebook.

I'm a new fan of Tea Collection due to the customer service, variety of choices, ease of ordering, speed of shipment and quality of clothing.  Check them out when you do your school shopping and if you do, let me know what you think!


*Disclosure:  This is a MamaBuzz Media review. The product was provided by Tea Collection for this review.

$100 aDealio Bucks Giveaway for Dallas 7/31: Closed

Congratulations to ...

BeautyToLove said...

-I'm Subscribed to You via Email & Confirmed
aliaskys (at) yahoo . com
THANK YOU!! :)

July 31, 2011 1:11 AM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Have you heard of aDealio?  They have many markets that they serve but for the purpose of this post and giveaway, I will be focusing on the Dallas area.  aDealio can be found on Facebook, Twitter and online.  I have to admit that I had never been to aDealio before so I immediately linked up via Facebook, followed on Twitter and connected online with their website.  It was easy and only took a few clicks since I linked up my Facebook page.

The site is really easy to use and can be navigated to find just what you are looking for and maybe a surprise you didn't encounter.  Here are some example categories:

• Today's Featured Deal
• Limited Time Deals
• Popular Deals
• New Deals
• Browse by Category

The nice part of the site is the front or home page lands you on nice colorful inviting pictures with the deals next to them.  You can also refer friends and earn $20 aDealio bucks!

__________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive $100 aDealio bucks.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you had ever used or heard of aDealio prior to this giveaway.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" aDealio on Facebook
• Follow aDealio on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter
• "Like" me on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog
• Add this giveaway to a linky for five entries - can be done up to five times - leave URL in comment please
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done once daily - two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once - five entries)

Giveaway ends 7/31 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner selected via random.org

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Back to School: Hello Kitty Table Lamp Review & Giveaway 8/18 Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

Kari said...

http://twitter.com/#!/lch2004/status/101415672709517312

August 10, 2011 6:12 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and Kari has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org. Thanks to all those who entered and our sponsor!

It's just about back to school time ... already!  I'm one of those parents that don't like to see it come because I miss them when they are school.  However, due to our latest military move, I've decided to home school this year so we'll see how that goes.  Setting up the girls for school is going to take a lot and with one of them wearing glasses, having a little extra light will be ideal for her.  This is where our complimentary Hello Kitty Table Lamp comes in handy.  What girl doesn't like Hello Kitty?  My oldest, 23, still loves Hello Kitty so she's jealous of our new lamp.

The adorable decorative lampshade matches the Hello Kitty theme and the one piece fitting allows you to replace a light bulb without having to remove the lampshade which I like as sometimes I just don't have much time.  The handy pull cord allows for quick on and off and the stable base has cushion to protect from scratching surfaces as you know how kids like to slide things across a surface over picking them up.  It even has a cute name plate on the front.  This will decorate a baby's room to an older girl who loves Hello Kitty.  It's lightweight and doesn't take up a lot of space.

Overall, as you can tell by this review, we love our lamp!  

_____________________________

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will also win one of these adorable, cute Hello Kitty Table Lamps!  


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which Hello Kitty product you like the most.


Extra Entries:

• Like SparkleBee on Facebook
• Follow SparkleBee on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Add this giveaway to other linky giveaways (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each - please leave URL)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/18 at midnight (MST) - Winner selected via random.org

*Disclaimer:   I received a complimentary product for the purposes of this review.

50 Brochures from UPrinting Giveaway 8/17 Winner Closed

Congratulations to

Kay said...

Liked Uprinting on FB.

kayyauney@yahoo.com

August 17, 2011 6:51 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and Kay has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.  Thanks to all for entering!

With so many activities our children are involved in, there would be many ways we could use brochures.  Between children and our own activities, brochures could be handy from anything from party planning to fundraisers and much more.  Even if you don't have a reason to use brochures, they could easily be donated to another cause such as a school's PTO, a church, a non-profit or some other organization.  This post is for a great giveaway with UPrinting which is a company that provides professional looking, high quality products. I've ordered cards and business cards in the past and have been very happy with the end result.

Now, you can find out about UPrinting by entering to win 50 brochures.  You can create your own or use one of the many brochure templates.

Specifications:

• 50 brochures
• 8.5" x 11"
• 100 lb paper gloss with folding (half fold, trifold/letterfold, Z-fold, roll fold, accordion fold), outside and inside printing, two business day turnaround
• US only - 18 years and older

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what you will do with the brochures if you win.

Extra Entries:

• Like UPrinting on Facebook
• Follow UPrinting on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Link this giveaway to a giveaway linky (worth two entries - limited to five linkys)
• Subscribe to my blog

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/17 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be selected by random.org - US only 




This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive brochures for hosting. Check out UPrinting.com to see more of their brochures and  brochure templates .

My Child's Individual Sense of Style

It's back to school time and I'm sure there are many moms breathing a sigh of relief.  I remember the excitement of back to school shopping between supplies and clothing and that was always the highlight of the festivities.  I have always enjoyed buying clothes for school for as long as I can remember and love doing it for my girls.  My girls have always been picky with their sense of style and fashion starting with my oldest who dressed as a tom boy to my very youngest who is a diva.  They have so much variety in personal taste that it's really hard to figure out what to get them unless they are with me.

Watching my oldest go from wearing big bulky clothing to grunge and then finally to the teen type fashion that is the norm today was an adjustment on my part.  I was okay with boyish look as she was playing soccer and it made sense.  I wasn't too crazy about people thinking she was a boy from time to time but then she progressed with her fashion sense.  She later fell into a pattern at school of wearing the black outfits with chains which I was not happy about.  Something about having a little hoodlum looking girl run around was not my ideal of fashion.  She was a hard one to buy for back then other than knowing she would wear black, chains and black finger nail polish.  Luckily, that phase didn't last long and then came the "in-fashion" stage.

This was the phase of maybe showing a bit more than I liked because she had the figure that makes a dad buy a shotgun to keep the boys away.  I was even more pleased that it was a short lived phase.  She then moved to age appropriate clothes that were fashionable yet respectful.  I wanted her to wear appropriate clothing sense I have very impressionable younger daughters at home.  My two younger girls keep me busy as they are on opposite ends of the fashion pole.  One is a princess and I know I'll be able keep her up to date with the latest fashion trends and boy, I can't wait!  The eight year old is into skater looks with the crop shorts and capris and t-shirts.  Nothing girly about her unless she's dressing up as Taylor Swift and then she will wear a dress.

My girls' fashion styles are individual as each other.  It's nice that they have differences in their preferences as that shows they have individuality which I like.  I want them to have their own sense of fashion.  One thing I also like is having one store where I can buy all their clothes to save time and money.  A sense of fashion should be determined by the child and not the media.  All in all, it's fun watching them grow and making decisions.


I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Frigidaire Accessories Store Last Day to Enter for $30

Even if you don't own a Frigidaire, you can enter to win a $30 gift card and get a jump on your Christmas shopping or just a little something for yourself.  This is the last day to enter here and entries are low so you have a great chance to win.  I read a bloggy post on how to win giveaways and the woman wrote she gets all or most of her Christmas shopping done via winning blog giveaways and she takes advantage of the bonus entries.  I should enter more to also get my shopping done and perhaps this year, I will.

Here are some of the other products you could buy with a $30 gift card:

     

 

Castle and Knights Themed Party

We had a very impromptu party with little extra money to spare in a castle and knight's theme.  Since we were low on funds for this party, we used cardboard and painted it gray with black bricks.  The girls helped paint which they loved!  Something about a four year old and an eight year old, a massive piece of cardboard and paint gets them tickled!  They had so much fun and of course, the memory factor was far with the efforts even if it wasn't up to par to my normal parties.

I printed shields to make the banner and the door.  I followed up with an army of knights to place anywhere I could and then used my Canon edible ink printer and my Photofrost sheets to make the edible knights image on the cookies.  I was able to use my KC Bakes' cake pop stand that is absolutely wonderful!  We also used the Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool (QuicKutz) to make the cupcake wrappers and the water bottles.