Saturday, December 31, 2011

AWESOME Kraft Foods Giveaway

Baby Loving Mama Blog along with Kraft Foods is hosting a giveaway for a huge Kraft prize pack.


 photo courtesy Baby Loving Mama Blog

Baby Loving Mama had what looks like a great opportunity of visiting the Kraft Foods BlogEats conference.  You can read all about her experience, and also enter into the giveaway!

The prize pack includes lots of yummy Kraft Foods for example Chips Ahoy Cookies, Oreo Cookies, Jell-O,  Wheat Thins Sweet Cinnamon, and much more!!  Enter today, I did!!!!

Giveaway ends January 5, 2012 @ 11:59 CST US residents 18+ only.

***disclosure:  I've gained additional entries into the above giveaway by creating this post

Blog Dare 2012



So I took the plunge and decided to get involved in the Blog Dare 2012 on BloggyMoms.com .  I've been on blogger since April 2010, but really didn't start writing anything until June 2010.  I really didn't know what I was doing back then, and still am in the learning process.  I figured with the blog dare, and the helpful writing prompts this will jump start me to awesomeness ( well, I might be exaggerating a little there)

Come join me in the dare, and lets make 2012 a challenging yet spectacular year!!

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Lemonhead Superfan?

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Lemonhead Superfan?

Brickfish









Prizes are additional sweepstake entries, Lemonhead Wristbands, $5, $10, $50, and $100 Gift cards!! I just won an additonal entry into the $500 cash prize!

Thank You Gather For My $10 Hallmark GC

On December 15th, Stefanie Plum made this post to win a Hallmark Gift Card.  Well, I so happen to be on the the five members to respond, and woo-hoo I received my gift card just in time.  It came a few days before Christmas!!

Every year, the kids and I visit our Hallmark store and they get to pick out one ornament for the tree.  This has been our tradition since the kids have been born.  This gift card helped A LOT since these ornaments can get a bit pricey.  I saved $22.00 that day, with the gift card, my rewards certificate of $2, and a $10 off $50, the savings came in handy!!

Here are the ornaments they got:

 Jack Skellington.  This is  my 15 yr old daughter's, This is her 3rd in the series.

 Ralphie from The Christmas Story it says the line "oh fuuudddggeee" along with narration leading up to it.  This is my 10 yr old son's, this is his 2nd in the series.

 Disney Clock Cleaners, while turning the handle it whistles and the elements move.  This is my 13 yr old daughters.


Thank you Gather for the opportunity to win!! 

25% Off Krome Photo Books ... I LOVE Mine

Early December I had a great opportunity to review a photo service called Krome Photos.  When I made my review, I only received a digital photo book with my hard copy on the way.  Since then I have received my hard copy, and let me tell you we have looked over that book more times then I can tell you.  We are so happy with it, the digital book doesn't do it any justice.  Having the book in my hand to physically turn the pages is so much better.  I made my book with photos that highlighted our year of 2011.  I can't tell you enough how happy I am with the result.









Krome Photos is so easy to use.  Once your photos are uploaded you are done.  The book designer will choose the best photos, edit them, and sort them on the pages.  You have the option of doing as little or as much as want.  You can even write special instructions to the designer with what events you like highlighted, and colors.  And if the book doesn't come out to your liking, you have the opportunity to ask to make corrections.  For more information, read my full review.

Krome Photos has graciously given my readers a  25% discount code off a photo book or any other Krome service, use KromeBlog25 and is valid until January 31st 2012.  So go ahead and preserve those precious memories into a photo book, you'll be glad you did!  


**disclosure:  I received a photo book for my review.  Receiving the free book did not alter my opinion.  Opinions are my own, and yours may differ.

Friday, December 30, 2011

$25 Amazon GC Giveaway

 Photo Courtesy of Google Images


 I LOVE Amazon, and I love it more when I get free codes for gift cards.  I usually do this by answering surveys through opinion outpost, swagbucks, socialmoms, or entering giveaways.  This helped pay for my Christmas shopping this year!!

Hurry on over to Frugality Is Free, she is hosting  a $25 Amazon GC Giveaway!!  The giveaway ends Saturday December 31 @ 11:59pm and open to US residents 18 years or older. 

**disclosure:  I've gained additional entries into the above giveaway by posting.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Graduation

It's almost the start of a new year and that means for me saving money!  Did you know you have the opportunity to choose the company who supplies your electricity and natural gas?  This is called energy deregulation.  The delivery of electricity or natural gas is still the responsibility of your utility company, but you have the option of choosing better utility rates.  Just Energy offers introductory fixed rates on green energy plans now to consumers in the New York area. 



Guest post written by my buddy Aldo Mays
Graduation has finally come and gone. Sometimes you look forward to something for so long that when it gets here you ask yourself, now what? Well the first thing I am going to do is move back to my home state of New York. Two of my buddies and I are buying a house together. We all have jobs waiting for us, so here we go with our adult lives. The first thing we have to do is set up our utilities; electricity and gas. My dad insisted that we go to energy information in new york to figure out the most economical company to set everything up with. Then we have to get all of our furniture moved in. We do have a lot of fix up to do on the house. So I guess the week before I start work I will be doing a lot of painting and putting up wallpaper. I am going to have to get my girlfriend to help pick out all of that since I really don’t know what I am doing in that area. I don’t really care what it looks like as long as it is decent. But you know how girls are, wanting everything to look just right.


So if you are looking to "graduate" your ability to control your rates in the upcoming year and save money in the new year, visit http://www.newyorkenergyrates.com/ .  Shop and compare rates just by entering your zip code.  You'll see comparisons and once you choose switching is easy.  Your utility company will still deliver, but you have control of the rates.  

**disclosure:  paid post brought to you by your friends at http://www.newyorkenergyrates.com/



100 Swagbucks For New Registrations

If you are new to Swag Bucks, there is a great code for new registrations ( HOLIDAYSWAG).  When applied during registration only, you receive an additional 100 Swag Bucks!!!!  

What is Swag Bucks?  It's a great site where you earn "Swag Bucks" for searching the web, answering surveys, watching videos, finding swag codes and much more.  In turn, the swag bucks can be redeemed for great prizes like Amazon Gift Card codes, magazine subscriptions, and much much more!!!  I have always redeemed for Amazon Gift Cards and love it since it helped pay for my Christmas this year.  

The code HOLIDAYSWAG (contact swag support if any problems with this code) is good until December 31, so if you aren't a member it would be a great time to join and earn some awesome swag!!  

$2 Tide Coupon

Go HERE for the $2 off Tide Coupon (Facebook, and coupon will be mailed to you).  They are giving away 302,000 coupons, so hurry it's while supplies last!!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

$25 Best Buy GC Giveaway

you still have 3 days to enter into this!!!

Win a $25 Best Buy Giftcard over at Tips 4 Saving!

To be eligible you must follow Tips 4 Saving through GFC, Facebook and Twitter...easy entries!!

Good Luck!!

**disclosure:  By posting I've gained additional entries into the above giveaway!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Amazon $20 GC Giveaway



I love Amazon, and earning gift cards codes.  I earn through Opinion Outpost, Crowdtap, Reward Port, Swagbucks, and Superpoints to name a few, plus entering giveaways for codes as well.  This Christmas I've saved myself $110.00 just because I had a "bank" of gift codes earned through these sites.  So it was really nice getting $160 worth of gifts for $40 something dollars....awesome.

Go over and visit The Frugal Follies Blog to enter to win four $5 Amazon GC code to add to your "bank" so you can start saving for that great gift!!

Giveaway ends January 12, 2012 @ 11:59pm EST, and open to US residents 18 yrs or older

**disclosure:  I've gained additional entries into the above giveaway by creating this post

Friday, December 16, 2011

My December CraveBox "The Holiday Pamper Me" Box

I joined Cravebox a couple weeks ago, through SheSpeaks.com and my first shipment arrived!

Cravebox is a monthly subscription of $10 in which you receive 4-5 selected products each month.  "The Holdiay Pamper Me" box received for the month of December was very exciting to open and I'm sure it exceeded the cost of $10, so I'm pretty happy.  The box consists of:




6.8fl oz bottle  of mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm lotion (I just looked this up, it sells for $54.00, OH MY)

Perugina Chocolate Bar (3.5oz)

Box containing 2 Perugina Baci Truffles, Dark Chocolate with Whole and Chopped Hazelnuts

2 packages of Bic for Her pens.  Each package contains 2 pens, one is ball pens and the other is gel

Nic's Sticks by OPI  I received this in the "Stick With Me" color, very neutral and just my color!!



So as I said in my first paragraph that I'm sure the box exceeded $10, I was definitey correct!!! 
These items are great to give away since it's the season of giving, but honestly I think I'm keeping everything to myself!!!!  Merry Christmas to ME!!!

Cravebox is easy to join, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.  All you need is a Google Checkout Account (which is fast, easy and free to join as well). 

The December box is all sold out, but you can fill in your email at the "buy now" prompt and you'll get updates sent to you. 

For more information visit Cravebox.com

Find them on Facebook and Twitter

**disclosure:  I opted in for a monthly subscription to receive a cravebox, no compensation was received for this review/post.  Opinions are my own!

I Received My Holiday VoxBox

You may remember me telling you that I was pre-selected to receive the Holiday VoxBox from Influenster (click here to learn more).  Anyway, it came in the mail and I was super excited, almost like opening up a Christmas present because you just don't know what you are going to get!


The box contained:

 imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails:  simply peel off, presson, and you're done.  Comes in 36 colors and patterns

Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap: this bar soap gently exfoliates to renew your skin surface.  Comes in two other fragrances Juice Pomegranate & Mango Infusions and Sweet Honeysuckle & Orange Peel ( I have this in a body wash and the smell is amazing)

Montagne Jeuness Face Mask:  packed with natural ingredients and infused with juicy fragrances.  I received Pulped Pomegranate

New York Color Liquid Lip Shine:  Comes in 10 shades from neutral nude to berries and fushsias.  I like how when it's on your lips it doesn't have that sticky feeling.

 Mentos Pure Fresh Gum:  These were great, everyone tried them and were saying they could feel and know their breath was fresh.

 Larabar:  made from only 2-9 ingredients.  Delicious blend of fruits, nuts and spices, comes in 19 flavors. 


I'm super excited to try the other products that came, the only thing we tried so far was the lip gloss and the mentos. 

If you are interested in joining influenster, click here 

**disclosure:  I received the above for my review and to "influence" other with my opinions!  No forms of compensation was received.  Opinions are my own

RedBox 12 Days of Deals & Prizes



I love renting from RedBox.  It's convenient, cheap, and easy to rent the latest new movies on DVD and Blu-Ray.  Now they also carry family video games.  I received a RedBox mission from Smiley360.com and of course I couldn't say "NO", we love family movie night!!

Redbox is hosting 12 Days of Deals & Prizes and offering daily prizes from December 13 thru December 24. Text FUN to 727272 for instant savings of 25 cents - $1 off of your movie and game rentals, as well as a chance to be entered to win a daily prize from Redbox. Each day, a random drawing will select a winner with top prizes from Sony, Wii, Barnes & Noble, Activision and more.

So tomorrow looks like a family night of "The Smurfs"!

**disclosure:  I'm a member of Smiley360.com and have received a coupon code for one free rental at our local RedBox kiosk.

Something To Brighten My Day

My doorbell rang approximately 3pm today and look what was waiting for me





And no they aren't from my husband  (this would of been an even nicer surprise but sadly no).  I WON these from a blog giveaway hosted by The Shopping Duck and Teleflora!!!

These are so pretty, and the pictures really don't do them any justice!!  A HUGE thank you goes out to The Shopping Duck for giving me the opportunity to win.....THANK YOU!!!

$25 WalMart Gift Card Giveaway


Photo courtesy of Google images


I absolutely love WalMart, especially the new super WalMart that was just built a few years back!!  You always can get great stuff, and at great prices. 

Over at Making Time For Mom Blog she is hosting a $25 WalMart GC giveaway.  The giveaway will end January 10, 2012, just in time for those great after Christmas sales.  Enter today, I did!!!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Holiday Hershey’s Giveaway Over At The Dirty t Shirt! ENDED

This is a quick giveaway since the holidays are just peeking around the corner!!!

Head on over to the Dirty t Shirt Blog and enter to win a Hershey's Holiday Prize pack which includes:
  • Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Santa
  • Hershey’s Extra Creamy Milk Chocolate Bells
  • Hershey’s Miniatures Assortment
  • Rolo Holiday Candies
  • 1.45oz Hershey’s Kisses – Santa Hat
How yummy does that sound??!  Great stocking stuffers or to keep all for yourself!!

Giveaway ends December 17, so enter TODAY!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Best Buy Gift Card Giveaway

Win a $25 Best Buy Giftcard over at Tips 4 Saving!

To be eligible you must follow Tips 4 Saving through GFC, Facebook and Twitter...easy entries!!

Good Luck!!

**disclosure:  By posting I'm gained additional entries into the above giveaway!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Mr Popper's Penguins DVD Giveaway ENDED

Hosted by:  Mama To 4 Blessings


Giveaway Ending:  December 23 Open to US residents

Go ahead and enter, I did!!  Good luck to all

**disclosure:  I've gained additional entries into the above giveaway by posting

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Krome Photos, A New Photo Book Service Review


 photo courtesy of Kromephotos.com

With Christmas around the corner, it's becoming crunch time on what to get those special people in your life.  I've discovered a easy, stress-free gift for anybody, even those hard to buy for people.  It's a photo book from Kromephotos.com

Now this isn't any ordinary photo site I've dealt with before, Kromephotos.com makes life a bit easier, especially during the busiest time of the year.    I've made several photo books from other sites and know that I would spend a good part of the time editing the pictures, and then figuring out which picture would go where and on what page.  Kromephotos.com does all the work for you, all you have to do is upload and submit.  You have the option of doing as little or much as you want. You can choose the book size, number of pages, even write a message to the designer with special instructions, for example, what colors you like, and what events you would like highlighted in the book. 

Once your photos are uploaded there is no need to sort through all your pictures.  If you choose "Designers Choice" , your book designer will have the option of choosing the best photos to go into your book.  There is no need to edit your pictures either, your book designer will enhance the photos for you.  And if you don't like the way your book turned out, you can ask to make corrections.

The best part of it all, is there is no obligation.  You can upload your photos and the designer will start making your book for free.  You can see a digital version of the completed photo book without any commitment to purchase.  But I'm sure you would be as satisfied as I was!

I had the opportunity to try this out for myself and lets say I am impressed.  I uploaded all my pictures and clicked "order my photo book", it was as easy as that.  A few days later, I received an email telling me my pictures obtained the "Krome Treatment".  Here is one example of the Krome Treatment,

BEFORE:
AFTER


You can see how much brighter the yellows and greens are.  The cake looks much more prettier enhanced and I didn't have to do anything.  No photo editing programs and hours spent editing it myself.  Easy peasy!!!

Below is the photo book that was put together for me with the photos I uploaded.  The pictures were placed in perfect order and they "match" on the pages.  



This is a great personalized gift without spending hours on the computer making.  

For more information visit Kromephotos.com and start your photo book today!


**disclosure:  I will be receiving the above printed photo book for my review, no other compensation was  given.  Opinions are my own and yours may differ.  

Hershey's Kisses Giveaway 3 BAGS! ENDED


 photo courtesy of thedirtytshirt.com


Who doesn't LOVE chocolate??  And better yet, when you have won it, it's even better!  Over at The Dirty t Shirt Blog she is hosting a giveaway for one lucky reader to win 3 BAGS of Hershey's Kisses!!!

Go ahead and enter, I did! Giveaway ends December 15th



**disclosure:  by creating this post I've gained an extra entry into the above giveaway

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Win 1 of 500 FREE $10 Amazon Gift Cards @ UGiftIdeas

Enter to win on of 500 FREE $10 Amazon Gift Cards!  Every little bit helps around this time of year.

Just visit their facebook page and enter today.  Giveaway ends 11:59pm on December 8, 2011.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Wii Zumba Fitness 2 Giveaway ENDED



Photo courtesy of Have Sippy Will Travel Blog



OOOOOOOH, How I wanted this game for the longest time!!!!  Even tried to get in the House Party when it was calling for applicants and unfortunately I wasn't pick....sad!  So, over at Have Sippy Will Travel Blog there is a giveaway for the game, woo-hoo! 

Giveaway ends December 18th.  Good luck to all that enter, and to ME as well!!!  Pick me, Pick me!!!


**disclosure:  I've gained an additional entry into the above giveaway by writing this blog post!

Monday, December 5, 2011

$500 Giveaway At Creating Motherhood ENDED

I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by Check ‘n Go at Creating Motherhood! I want to win a $500 gift card! Enter to win here: http://bit.ly/plaidcash

OH MY GOODNESS $500??!!!!  I know I could use $500, how 'bout you??! Giveaway ends December 15th



**disclosure:  I've gained additional entries into the above giveaway by creating this post

Orchard’s Finest Preserves Gift Pack Giveaway Over At The Dirty t Shirt ENDED

Hurry over to The Dirty t Shirt Blog and enter into this GREAT giveaway sponsored by J.M. Smucker Co.!!  If you love Smucker's as much as I do you just don't want to miss this.  The prize pack includes:

  • Orchard’s Finest product sampling in branded crate
  • $100 certificate to Cooking.com
  • Holiday entertaining accessory (Crate & Barrel Cheese Board )
  • Total ARV: $150.00
  
Giveaway will end December 15th.  This prize pack would be an awesome addition to your holiday entertaining!!! Enter today!!!


**disclosure:  By posting this, I gain addtional entries into the above giveaway


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Diamond Candles Campaign, Bloggers Needed To Review

Photo courtesy of Whole Lotta Mama Blog

A great opportunity to experience and review soy candles with a surprise ring hidden in the candle.  The ring values from $10 to possibly $5,000!!!

So if you are a blogger, and love to test products for review then this is something to check out.  You'll also be hosting a giveaway to give a lucky reader a chance of winning a soy candle to enjoy as well.

For more details and to fill out the form, go to Whole Lotta Mama Blog  

Best of luck!!

I've Been Pre-Selected For The Holiday VoxBox Program



 photo courtesy of influenster.com (my holiday badge earned)




 

 

"Congratulations!  We are happy to announce that you have been pre-selected to participate in the holiday voxbox program!"




This is the email I received today.  I joined influenster in October and was pre-selected for the holiday program.  I'm super excited to see what I could possibly get in the box, it'll be a great surprise. Perfect time of year too!!

You ask what's influenster?  It's a site where you earn badges according to how influential you are and in turn you receive opportunities to get VoxBoxes.  What is a VoxBox you ask?  A VoxBox is a themed box full of great products from health, beauty, grooming, snack, beverages, and lifestyle brands.  Once recieved you sample and test, give feedback and then spread the word on the brands you rate positively.

Please Like My Comment and Enter Too

photo courtesy of Naturally Savvy Facebook page

I've entered into a giveaway to win the above book signed by the authors and for a huge gift bag filled with great healthy alternatives to junk food.  I just need some help please "like" my comment 
 
Peggy Damon exercise more, up my water intake, and choose a healthy snack like nuts or fruit rather than cookies!

All you have to do is "Like" Naturally Savvy's facebook page and scroll to like my comment here

Thank you for your help!!

Excedrin® Migraine Prize Basket Giveaway At The Dirty t Shirt

photo courtesy of The Dirty t Shirt Blog


Look at this awesome prize basket containing :
  • A therapeutic neck wrap that can be heated or frozen
  • Swarovski Crystal Ear Buds to listen to relaxing music
  • A soothing gel eye mask
  • $15 iTunes gift card to purchase relaxing tunes
  • $50 American Express gift card for additional stress-free needs
  • Foot massager
  • Back massager
 Visit The Dirty t Shirt Blog and learn about Excedrin® Migraine and enter to win the basket above, I did!


**disclosure:  I gained additional entries into the above giveaway by making this post

Crayola Giveaway At Trying To Stay Calm

photo courtesy of Trying To Stay Calm Blog

One lucky winner will win a prize valued at almost $85


  • (1) Jewelry Boutique
  • (1) Glow Book
  • (1) 150-ct Crayon Tower
  • (1) Ultimate Art Supplies case
 Just click the above image and enter, I did!  Giveaway ends January 3, 2012

**disclosure:  I have gained additional entries into the giveaway by posting

$75 Visa GC Giveaway At Ladies Gadgets

Doesn't everyone LOVE extra money this time of year? Well,  over at Ladies Gadgets Lifestyle Gadget Blog along with Connect Your Home are hosting a $75 Visa GC giveaway.  The giveaway runs now through December 17th, run over and get your entries in, I did.  Good luck!!!

**disclosure:  I have gained additional entries into the giveaway by posting 

Disney Prep & Landing DVD Giveaway ENDED

Over at Here and There Blog is a great giveaway for the Disney Prep & Landing movie DVD ending Sunday 12/11/11.  This would be a great addition to your Christmas movie collection.  Go over to her blog read the review and enter, like I did.  Good Luck!!!!




photo courtesy of 
Here and There Blog

**disclosure:  I have gained additional entries into the giveaway by posting

Friday, November 25, 2011

Rite Aid Shopping Trip 11/25 OOP $.32


4 Boxes Honey Nut Cheerios @ 2/$5.00 = 4/$10.00 - 2/$.60 MFR printables (unavailable) - 2/$.50 MFR printables (unavailable) = 4/$7.40  Received 2 $2.00 UP Reward

2 Christmas Minatures Chocolate 2/$6.00 - 2/$1.50 MFR printable (unavailable, this was during Halloween) = 2/$3.00  Received $1.00 UP Reward

I had $11.00 UP Rewards from previous which I used

Total OOP = $.32  and received $5.00 UP Rewards

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thai Braclet Giveaway




Over at Making Time For Mommy Blog she has a wonderful giveaway for a handcrafted Thai Bracelet sponsored by the World Vision Catalog.  Go over to her blog to learn about the wonderful organization of World Vision and enter to win!! Giveaway ENDS December 20th @ 11:59pm Central Time.

Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Today while going through my email I found this fun recipe courtesy of Mr. Food for pumpkin donut holes.  I'm not usually fond of frying my food, but I said "what the heck" one day won't kill me. My kids wanted a special treat and so did I.


Yields: 2 dozen
Cooking Time: 30 min
Ingredients
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
    Instructions
    1. In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat until hot.
       
    2. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients except confectioners' sugar; mix well.
       
    3. Drop pumpkin batter by level tablespoonfuls into hot oil and fry 2 minutes or until golden, turning at least once. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter. Roll doughnut holes in confectioners' sugar; serve warm.



    I didn't have self rising flour, and made my own by adding 1 cup of flour with 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt.  I also was nervous after reading the reviews of these which stated they were bland, and not too sweet.  I went a little heavy on the pumpkin, adding a few tablespoons more and also with the sugar as well.  We (well lets says my daughter) also rolled the donut holes greatly in the confectioners' sugar as you can see.


    This is after they came out of the oil









    These turned out great, the recipe was super simple,  the kids loved 'em and I was pleased that I didn't waste my time, tee-hee!

    **disclosure:  recipe courtesy of MrFood.com, photos courtsey of ME!!

    Are You A Member of Pssst.....


    I've been member of Psst...  for some time and have received some great sampling opportunities.  Recently Psst... sent me TWO FULL SIZE boxes of Golden Graham, and Lucky Charms Milk & Cereal Bars.  Of course, the kids gobbled them up before I even had a chance.  Back in January, I received my first "My GetTogether" Kit to host a party.  This was a lot of fun!!




    So if you enjoy grabbing deals, sneak peaks, or the opportunity to host in-home parties and aren't a member yet click HERE

    Saturday, November 19, 2011

    Black Friday Sale-20% Off At Hartstrings

    image courtesy of Hartstrings.com



    Black Friday is only a week away, and that means SALES, SHOPPING, and MORE SALES!!  Black Friday also means the biggest holiday of the season is upon us.  When you need that special outfit for your children for those precious family photos, special school activities, family functions or any time you can find the perfect coordinates at Hartstrings.


    image courtesy of Hartstrings.com

     
    For over 30 years, Hartstrings has been providing children with classic, American styles with a modern flare
     
     

    Hartstrings, this Black Friday, is offering an additional 20% off the entire website even sale items. From dresses, cardigans, rain boots, to even pajamas Hartstrings has it! 


    So add Hartstrings to your Black Friday list and enjoy the added savings!!!


    **disclosure:  along with sharing the savings, by making this post I'm also entered to win holiday outfits for up to 3 of my children (valued at $100 each)

    Thursday, November 17, 2011

    Torani Flavored Syrup Review and Twitter #HolidayFlavors Party




    How about shakin' up your mornings, or anytime of the day with a little  Torani Flavored Syrups.  I have never heard of these until being a part of Shespeaks.com, and having the opportunity to sample 2 of their over 100 different flavors. I'm not a coffee drinker, nor do I care for espressos, or lattes, but these Torani flavors go well beyond the regular coffee cup.


    Since 1925, family-owned Torani has been crafting great tasting flavored syrups that coffeehouses use to make their flavored drinks taste so delicious. With over 120 flavors in regular and sugar free varieties, Torani flavored syrups are perfect for flavored lattes, mochas, coffees, cocoas, Italian sodas, teas, lemonades, cocktails and smoothies.

    Torani is the #1 brand of flavored syrups in America made with pure cane sugar and natural flavors.  With so many flavors, it makes it simple to create fantastic drinks anytime. 

    The flavors I had the pleasure of receiving were Hazelnut, and Gingerbread.  After opening up the box and checking them out, it was now time to get creative.   I thought about adding Gingerbread to cookie dough batter or adding Hazelnut to my smoothie.  The possibilities are endless.  Last night I made a cup of green tea for my son and we added about a tablespoon, maybe a tad bit more to the tea and he loved it.  I sampled a taste of it, and it gave it just the right spice to make the tea unique.  It wasn't an overpowering taste either it was just a hint of spice like you were eating the cookie along side your tea.

    This morning I decided to taste the Hazelnut, I really wasn't too sure about this because when I opened the bottle it really does have a powering smell.  But I decided anyway to give it a try and make a breakfast drink.

    1 Carnation Vanilla Instant Breakfast (powder)

    1 banana

    Approximately 1 cup milk (I eyeballed it)

    1 Tbsp of Torani Hazelnut (or more)

    Mix in blender and enjoy!!


    Again, I wasn't too sure because of the Hazelnut scent but I'm glad I did.  The taste wasn't  overwhelming, and just had that "dash" it needed to flavor it up to make it different. Now tonight, I might add some to my hot chocolate, it's a perfect chilly night to enjoy a special treat!


    TONIGHT at 9pm (EST) is the SheSpeaks #HolidayFlavors Twitter Party, come join in the fun!!! There will be discussions of holiday drinks, desserts, and of course Torani.  Also, $500 in prizes will be given away which include a Keurig Coffee Brewer, Chocolate Shoppe Holiday Flavors package, Icecreamsource.com Cherry Pie with Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, or be 1 of 5 people to win a years supply of Torani Flavored Syrup...woo-hoo!!!


    You must  RSVP to win.  Visit SheSpeaks.com to get all the party details!

    Be on the lookout for a great giveaway here on my blog.  I was graciously given FREE coupons to share, so within the next week I'll be posting it live!!


    For more information on flavors visit www.Torani.com

    Torani Flavored Syrups are available at WalMart, Amazon.com (wide assortment of flavors), Torani.com, Shop.Torani.com (wide assortment of flavors), and most major grocery stores. 



    **disclosure:  I am a member of SheSpeaks.com and was given two 750ml bottles of Torani Syrup for my review along with 5 free coupons.  Opinions are my own and yours may differ.  

    Tuesday, November 15, 2011

    Win 1 of 5 $50 Amazon Giftcards

    Christmas is coming and my list to Santa is getting longer and longer.  So far  I want,
    photo courtesy of Amazon.com

    Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

    Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

    I'm not asking for much, am I??  Well, if Santa can't provide,  over at FrugalDad.com there is a giveaway going on to win 1 of 5 $50 Amazon.com giftcards.  This would definitely help offset any present on my list that Santa forgets!!

    Giveaway ends November 22 @ 11:59 PT .  Enter today, good luck!!!