Receive a Complimentary $30 Benihana GC During Birthday Month

When Benihana first opened its doors in 1964, it revolutionized the family dining experience. Today, Benihana continues to delight couples, parents, children and loved ones with a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience. Here's a quick video clip that captures the history and mood of the original Benihana:

Experience the Original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWbn2LgqffI

Benihana fans can sign up for a complimentary $30 Benihana gift certificate during their birthday month here: http://profile.benihana.com/registration/. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a Benihana near me and I can say that I've never ate there but heard they are good!

New Rewards Shopping Site: LoveSpoils

A study conducted by American Express found that couples are fighting more than ever regarding household finances – and it’s possible the threat of an argument is prompting some of these couples to sneak purchases, sock money away in a secret bank account, or keep a credit card account hidden from their spouse or significant other.  I'd never do that ... would you (wink wink)?

The thing is, women love to shop usually and men dread trying to find the perfect gift for us so what better way than with LoveSpoils!  When they shop, we get points and vice versa for discounts on products you want.

Studies have shown that:

•  61% of couples confirmed that discussions about the household budget are turning into arguments
• Couples who fight about money once a week are 30% more likely to divorce than those who only quarrel a few times per month
• The more consumer debt a newlywed couple accrues, the unhappier they become
• Nearly 90% of divorces are caused by financial differences
• The average rate of divorce in U.S. is 58%

LoveSpoils (www.LoveSpoils.com) provides a solution that encourages personal shopping for the sake of rewarding your significant other.  Both singles and couples can join LoveSpoils, either separately or in joint accounts, and accumulate reward points, called “LoveSpoils,” by purchasing items from a variety of online retailers.  These LoveSpoils can then be used to purchase and/or apply toward discounts to exclusive items and promotions on the LoveSpoils site – ideally intended for their significant other.  For example – if one partner goes online and purchases a set of golf clubs, their LoveSpoils reward points can be used by the other partner to obtain a discounted dress from Rent the Runway.

Just click on the site and you can request membership!

Master Lock National Random Acts of Kindness Week & Giveaway Coming Soon!

February 13th - 19th is National Random Acts of Kindness Week and throughout the week, Master Lock will share a bit of kindness by distributing free gym locks at six area workout centers to inspire gym-goers to stick to their New Year’s fitness resolutions.  If you live in Chicago, Los Angelos, San Francisco, New York, Dallas or Miami, be on the lookout!  Research shows that by February, 36 percent of people have abandoned their resolutions, and by April, that total increases to 54 percent. I have stuck to my resolution and in fact, I started mine back in June of 2010 and have lost 30 pounds.  I am now running daily and mostly watching what I eat.  Head out to the Master Lock FB page and tell what your random act of kindness was!

As an extra incentive, Master Lock is going to help you "lock up" your fitness resolution by giving away the 1534D Password Lock AND gift certificates on their Facebook page during the National Random Acts of Kindness week.

Need some extra help in doing some good deeds?  Master Lock has some suggestions:  

Write It Down…and Share It. Simply thinking through your resolutions and storing them mentally isn’t going to ensure you stay committed. Having a list of goals in your organizer, smart phone, or social media profile that you can easily access and share will reinforce your promise to yourself and spur encouragement from your followers and friends.

• Get the right gear. Whether your goals revolve around getting back in the gym or being more organized at home, having the right products to help you succeed is a must. For organization, the 7148D document storage box can help keep important documents safely filed away.  To securely organize your digital life, register for a free account atwww.masterlockvault.com to safely store your user names, passwords and other confidential data for easy access anytime, anywhere.  Getting good shoes, proper work-out wear, and a new gym lock such as the 1534D Password lock will help reinvigorate your enthusiasm to exercise.
• Do it for a Month. In order for a new behavior to become a habit, you must stick to it for at least 30 days. Setting this small goal will make achieving your overall resolution more realistic. Plus, you can be encouraged when you’ve reached the one-month mark and assess your progress.
• Keep a Journal. Commit to writing one to two sentences about your progress toward your goals each day. Keeping a written record of how you’re doing will keep your resolution top of mind and motivate you to continue to make changes. 
• One Step at a Time. Don’t set too many goals and then try tackling them all at once. Make one goal your priority and focus on changing your habits to achieve it. Once you’ve mastered it, set your sights on two additional goals, giving yourself realistic timelines to achieve them and go from there. 

Coming soon is a giveaway of your very own 1534D Password Lock (pictured above) along with a review!

Leapin' for Leap Pad Giveaway 2/29

Welcome to the Leapin' for Leap Pad Giveaway!

This giveaway event is organized by ShePromotes and sponsored by a group of fabulous ShePromotes bloggers! We've come together to offer you one of the hottest children's products of the year -- the Leap Frog Explorer Tablet! Even better, as part of the event, you will have the chance to enter to win 1 of 2 Leap Frog Explorer Tablet prize packs! Yes, we are giving away 2 to 2 lucky winners!

How to enter

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter for your chance to win. The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents, 18+ and will be open through 11:59pm EST on February, 29th. You have until the end of the day on Leap Day to enter for your chance to win! Please note that there are two separate Rafflecopter forms. Each prize package has its own form and its own entry requirements. You will earn bonus entries for entering on both Rafflecopter forms! Enter to win the other prize package here!

Good luck and get Leapin' for Leap Pad!

Hoodie Hoo $100 PayPal Giveaway 2/13 - 2/20

 

Hoodie Hoo $100 Paypal Giveaway

Welcome to the Hoodie Hoo $100 Paypal Giveaway Feb 13 - 20, 2012 

The Legend of the Hoodie Hoo:

Always on February 20! On this winter day, people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant "Hoodie-Hoo". It is a day to chase away winter and bring in spring. After all, everyone in the northern hemisphere are sick and tired of winter at this point and a little crazy being cooped up inside all winter and not seeing the sun.

Coupon Scribbles has teamed up with 20 bloggers to give away $100 in Paypal Cash!!!There will be one grand prize winner who will receive a$100 Paypal deposit of cash!!! The sweepstakes will run February 13th through 11:59pm EST on February 20th, 2012. To enter simply follow the instructions below. Winner will be notified via email on by February 25th. Good Luck!! Details $100 Paypal Giveaway Sweepstakes begins on February 13th and ends at 11:59pm EST on February 20th, 2012 Method of Entries: Rafflecopter Participating Blogs

1. I Love Coupons & Giveaways
2. Vienna Daily
3. Tracers Coupon Affair
4. The Deal Matcher
5. Fabulous Deals and Steals
6. Couponing in PA
7. Extreme Personal Measures
8. Thrifty Today
9. The Thrifty Shopper
10. Health Beauty Children and Family
11. Ficklets
12. Adorable Baby Clothing
13. Random Deals
14. Sidetracked Mom
15. The Coupon Sweeper
16. Relax 'n Save
17. Gone Klippin' Krazy
18. Celebrate Woman Today
19. Teach Me 2 Save
20. Textbook Mommy

Delicious New Kraft MilkBite Bars

I just received my complimentary KRAFT MILKBITE Bars and had to share!  I really did receive them within the past 20 minutes and wanted to tell you how delicious they are!   KRAFT MILKBITE Bars  are a new, unique innovation in snacking made with real milk and calcium to provide the same calcium as an 8 oz glass of milk which is 30% of the daily recommended value. They also have 5 grams of protein and 7 grams of whole grains and since they are a good source for Vitamin D and fiber, I really love the fact that my girls love them.  I'm on board with the whole Vitamin D thing so the more the merrier in my books.  


KRAFT MILKBITE Bars are a wholesome alternative to existing bars and come in a variety so everyone can choose their favorites:

• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Peanut Butter
• Oatmeal Raisin 
• Mixed Berry

KRAFT MILKBITE Bars found in the refrigerated dairy aisle which is not where you would expect to find them!  I tried the chocolate flavor and I savored the roasted nuts flavor that came across perfectly matched with the chocolate granola.  It was the ideal mix of flavors that made me want to get another one but I refrained.  The chocolate bars only have 140 calories so that is not bad and their suggested price of $3.49 for a box is very reasonable.

I had to do it because I wouldn't want to deprive you of not knowing how the strawberry flavor is so my verdict is .... AMAZING!  The same nutty, granola flavor with a hint of strawberries that was not overpowering.  They are so delicious!  They will hit the shelves February 13th.


Overall, I can state that I'm a new customer and will be purchasing these for myself and my girls.  They have amazing flavor and are priced right.


Check out KRAFT's new character Mel:

*Disclosure:  I received complimentary samples from the sponsor but the opinions are of my own.

Valentine's Day Dinner at Home with Lasagna

Are you one of the brave ones who goes out to dinner on Valentine's Day or do you put your culinary skills to work?  I prefer to make my own meals even though going out every now and then is nice.  This year, it's just the girls and I so I'm planning on making lasagna.  I had no idea what I would make until I received an e-mail with this delicious sounding recipe for Johnsonville Italian Sausage Lasagna.  I'm already drooling as I love sausage and I love lasagna.  This will make the perfect family meal for myself and my two little Valentine's!

There is even a video to help you make this wonderful dish.  Watch as Joe shows how incredibly easy it is to make a home cooked meal from scratch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHyBIO1EseI

Just click here for the Johnsonville's Italian Sausage Lasagna recipe or you can copy it from here:

Italian Sausage Lasagna

Submitted by: The Kitchen at Johnsonville Sausage

Makes: 6-8 servings

Cooking Time: 45m

WHAT YOU NEED:

• lasagna noodles, uncooked
• olive oil
• (16 oz.) Johnsonville® Italian Ground Sausage
• onion
• garlic, chopped
• (24 oz.) marinara sauce
• ricotta cheese
• egg
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• fresh spinach, lightly packed and chopped
• mozzarella cheese, shredded
• dried oregano

PREPARATION:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, lightly oil and set aside.
• In a medium sauce pan, sauté the sausage, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.
• Add onion and garlic and continue sautéing for another 4 minutes until the sausage is cooked through.
• Add marinara sauce to the sausage mixture and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, ó cup of the Parmesan cheese and the chopped spinach; set aside.
• Coat a 9x13” baking dish with olive oil and spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture on the bottom.
• Top with 3 lasagna noodles. 
• Spread the ricotta cheese mixture on the noodles and layer on 1 cup of the sauce mixture. 
• Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese over this. Repeat this process three more times starting with the noodles and finish with the remaining ó cup of Parmesan cheese.
• Sprinkle with oregano.

Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

*Disclosure:  I did not receive compensation for this blog post.

Heart Shaped Grilled Cheese

I don't know why but I was inspired this morning to make the girls an unconventional breakfast of heart shaped grilled cheese.  I had a dream last night that I was mad at my youngest so perhaps those feelings made me want to make up even though I didn't do anything!  Isn't it amazing the guilt us mothers can carry around?  The girls loved them and my intended response was received and I heard a token bonus of, "Mom, I love you!"


I used two different shapes of cookie cutters which was perfect for one slice of bread for two hearts.  It was so easy and then I added some Valentine's Day cookie decorations on the plate for color.

Publix Running Out? Run In $25 Gift Card Giveaway 2/29

How many times have you reached for something and discovered your children used the last of it and didn't tell you?  It happens every now and then with me and it can be frustrating especially if it's an essential or you need it for a recipe.  The one thing I have always liked about Publix is how I can run in and run out in little time thanks to every thing being where I know it is and fast lane check outs.  From February 9th until February 14th when you shop at Publix, look for the Running Out?  Run In event to find some great savings on my favorite brands from General Mills and Procter & Gamble.


From Yoplait yogurt to Crest to Cheerios, they are usually on my list to pick up.  Since Publix isn't uber big, I can run in and run out which sometimes I prefer.  Don't forget to look for the in-store coupons for over $14 in savings on coupons valid from February 6th until February 25th.  Who can't use savings, right?  


When you shop and spend over $30 in participating products during the event from February 8th until February 25th, you will receive a $5 Publix gift card too!  Simply look for the mail in rebate form found in-store or online at RunningOutRunIn.com along with your receipt(s). 
a Rafflecopter giveaway






















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

The Lorax: Dr. Seuss's Inspiring Tale About The Importance of Preserving Nature

On February 14th, Warner Brothers is releasing The Lorax (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy) for the first time to include an ultraviolet digital copy and two bonus Dr. Seuss animations!  If you don't own a Blu-Ray player, you really are missing out on a vivid new way to watch movies and I'm hooked!  I love the quality of the picture and watching one of my beloved favorite authors' stories is always a plus.  I don't know who was more excited when our complimentary copy was received as the kids sort of looked at me funny.  

In case you aren't aware of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, it's a story about a greedy villain named Once-ler.  Once-ler strips the forest of all its Truffula trees bringing them to near extinction.  Sound familiar?  It's a tale of worry that even Dr. Seuss wrote about so long ago.  Enter the Lorax who tries to tell Once-ler about the ramifications of his greed.  Full of complimentary fun companions, the Lorax tries and tries to speak for the Truffula trees.  


It's a great story for both adults and kids as it's entertaining, full of great characters and has a wonderful lesson to teach us about using our resources wisely.  Who can write better than Dr. Seuss anyway?  My girls LOVED the movie and have already watched it more than once.   You can purchase it on February 14th and what a great family movie night it would make on Valentine's Day!

About Warner Home Video

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest home entertainment distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Cinema.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to- DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD , electronic sell-through and VOD , and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy for the purposes of this review.  The opinions are of my own.

The Cutest Pre-School & Other Homeschool Lessons

If you are a homeschooling mom, you should check out this great site called the Enchanted Homeschooling Mom.  Not only do you get to meet her family but you have a wealth of information ranging from printables, blog hops, link ups, storybook artists curriculum, Berenstain Curriculum and many other great resources.  If you want access to some of the amazing lessons, you just have to read here to find out and it's free.


Since discovering the Enchanted Homeschooling Mom, we have had tons of fun with different Lego based preschool lessons and today, we completed Tangled.  Tangled is one of my four year old's favorites and she just loved it!  Each lesson utilizes many skill sets children need for entering school.  From counting to measuring to cutting paper and more, it's an excellent and fun way to teach.  Each lesson is full of so much to do and the way in which they were put together is so inviting for your little one.  My eight year old even likes to partake in the fun and acts as a teacher to Danielle.  


Even if you aren't a homeschooling mom, you can take advantage of these fun lessons with your children outside of school.  There is so much great information from Jill that my post will never do it justice as you just need to go check it out!

Progresso "Souper You" Contest & Coupons #myblogspark

The Progresso "Souper You" Contest entry phase will come to a close on February 22nd.  Are you ready for a new look this New Year? Progresso^® has announced the return of their Souper You^® Contest giving you the chance to win an incredible makeover! By telling Progresso why you deserve a makeover and what you love about their soup, you could have the chance to win an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood this Spring! 

Now that the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, it's time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love. Thanks to Progresso^®, you can have your soup and eat it too!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices. 


Contest Details:

• This year, the Souper You^® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season´s live finale of NBC´s The Biggest Loser
• Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd
• Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th
• In addition, visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today
• Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c

Click here to watch this amazing video of the 2011 winner experience. 

*Disclosure:  The online coupon and information about Progresso Soup or the Souper You^® Contest was provided to you by Progresso through MyBlogSpark. 

Share the Love Giveaway Hop 2/7 - 2/14

Welcome to the Share the Love Giveaway Hop hosted by ShePromotes. This event will take place from 9am EST on February 7th and end at approximately 11:59pm EST on February 14th. There are lots of great prizes offered to share the love with you. The prizes are not all love or Valentine's Day themed, we just are simply sharing our love for great products with you! After you are done entering our giveaway you'll want to check out everyone else's AND enter for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE Kindle Fire sponsored by Tweetalicious!


 Each blog you stop and enter at will be another entry! Enter the Grand Prize here!

One Winner $35 + 3 Winners Win $25 PayPal Cash Giveaway 2/13

Who doesn't like Cash?  I know we do!  That's why Learning To Be Frugal and Suburban Coupon Mom have teamed up with several other wonderful bloggers to bring you this amazing 10K PayPal Cash Giveaway! We Love Our Readers and we are so excited to bring you this giveaway! There will be FOUR lucky winners! One Winner Will Receive $35.00 In PayPal Cash. Three winners will receive $25.00 In PayPal Cash! a Rafflecopter giveaway

thinkThin® thinkWellness Bars Giveaway 2/6 - 10 Winners

If you are still sticking to your New Year's Resolution or just always watch what you eat, you will want to check out the thinkThin® thinkWellness Bars. thinkThin® thinkWellness Bars are delicious energy snacks with the quality ingredients in 12 great bars. All thinkThin® thinkWellness products are gluten free and are ready to go in convenient one bar packs. All of the 12 flavors have zero sugar and 20 grams of protein. I was able to try six different bars and there was only one I didn't like and it was the Cookies and Cream but I don't normally like products like that.


I had a picture of them but for some reason, I can't find the pictures and I already ate them so I can't show them.


Other than the Cookies and Cream, I tried:

• Cranberry Apple & Mixed Nuts
• Cherry & Mixed Nuts
• White Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts Crunch Bar
• Peanut Butter
• Caramel Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts Crunch Bar

I loved the other five flavors and felt better eating them due to the low calories. You couldn't tell they were good for you as they were nearly as delicious as candy bars. Just knowing they are better makes up for the goodness by far! My four year old liked them too and I had to share which wasn't fair (smile).

Since I'm trying to get healthier, this was a great alternative for that little sweet kick you need every now and then. You can click here for the latest promotions and coupons. Each bar is priced at $1.99 which is comparable if not cheaper than other bars of similar nature.

The Giveaway:

10 winners will receive one (1) Weight Wellness Sampler which includes 2 thinkThin® Protein Bars & 2 thinkThin® Crunch Bars for a total of 4 delicious bars.

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

Amazon $20 Gift Card Giveaway 2/24

Have you thought about your spring dresses yet?  Are you gearing up for some weddings?  My blog post giveaway is focusing on Adorable Baby Clothing as I just love the quality, selection and customer service.  I purchase most of my formal type clothing from Adorable Baby Clothing and even though the outfits might costs a little more than what you might find at Walmart, the quality is unmatched.  Each of the dresses I have are heirloom quality and I have saved every one to pass down to my children and their children.


Even though Adorable Baby Clothing is not sponsoring this giveaway, I am starting a series of giveaways in which I focus on a particular business that I support.

Discover Your Winter Cocktail Blog App & Giveaway Hendrick’s Gin Golf Umbrella & $20.00 Crate & Barrel Gift Card 2/19

Everyone has their favorite cocktail, but have you wondered what winter cocktail fits you best?  Take the Discover Your Winter Cocktail quiz by answering just a few questions to see what winter cocktail suits you.  There is even a fun guide with little known facts about liquor that might surprise you!  Enjoy some new twists to some of your classic cocktails and just have fun!

Here are some recipes that look pretty good!

 Chocolate Snowball

Ingredients:

• 2 oz coconut rum
• 2 oz  Irish cream
• 1 oz hazelnut liqueur
• 3 1/2 oz melted chocolate
• 3 1/2 oz cream
• 1 dash chocolate syrup

Preparation: Place the chocolate syrup around the glass then place the other ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into glass.

Spring Fever

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 3/4 oz mango syrup
• 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz blood orange juice

 Preparation: Shake well over ice cubes in a shaker, and strain into a collins glass half-filled with crushed ice.

Winter Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1 oz creme de cacao
• 1 oz vanilla schnapps
• 1 oz Irish cream
• milk

 Preparation: Pour liquors into a beer mug, and fill with milk. Stir, and serve.

The Giveaway:


Hendrick’s Gin Golf Umbrella and an amazing $20.00 Crate & Barrel Gift Card.


To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

Pillsbury Valentine’s Day Pillsbury® Ready to Bake!™ Shape® Cookies Prize Pack Review & Giveaway 2/14

What are you doing this Valentine's Day?  Are you making Valentines or did you buy them?  Have you decided on making a gift or buying a gift?  My girls love to make things and to bake sweets, they are always ready.  We took the opportunity to take our wonderful Pillsbury Valentine's Day pack and make some sweet treats ahead of Valentine's Day but in time for the Super Bowl.  Our complimentary pack included a nice oven mitt, a spatula, a ceramic Pillsbury cookie jar and a package Valentine’s Day Pillsbury® Ready to Bake!™ Shape® Cookies with none other than Mickey and Minnie Mouse!  Did I mention that my girls LOVE Mickey and Minnie?  They are huge fans of Mickey, cookies and Valentine's Day so this was perfect!


We received the package yesterday and went to the store this morning.  We scored the very last box of Pillsbury Valentine's Cookies!  We also had some fun baking them too!  My youngest loved the oven mitt and they had fun placing them on the cookie sheet.  Of course the best part was taking them off and eating them!

Don't forget to check out the Pillsbury website, Pillsbury on Facebook and on Twitter.

The Giveaway:

One reader will win:

• A VIP coupon to purchase a package of Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies
• Cookie Jar
• Cookie Spatula
• Oven Mitt

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.