"A Woman Who Helped Me"

When asked to write about a woman who had helped me,  it was easy to pick my husband's Aunt Dixie, as she has been a godsend to me and my family lately.    Both my parents and my husband's parents are deceased and siblings also live quite a distance away.    I often feel sad that my children don't have the usual audience full of grandparents or aunts and uncles in attendance at their events as so many of the other children do.   So in steps Aunt Dixie and Uncle Charlie.  

They recently attended an orchestra concert at my daughter's college.   It was quite a drive for them, yet they cheerfully arrived bearing an amazing trunk full of treats for my daughter.    Imagine her surprise and delight as she dug through bag after bag of dried fruit, juice, snack crackers, breakfast bars, pasta salad, fruit salad, freezer jam, and so much more!  It made my daughter so happy to see other family there supporting her. 

Aunt Dixie had also helped with my daughter's graduation open house a few years back and has already offered to help with my graduating son's that is coming up.   He was so excited to know that she was bringing all the wonderful foods she had brought to his sister's open house for him too!  I'm known for being disorganized and quite a procrastinator so it's a huge help to me to know that someone will be here to help me and keep a watchful eye over everything as I "try" to enjoy the day with my son.  

So my pick for a woman who has helped me is Aunt Dixie who supports our family in so many way.   We love and appreciate her and Uncle Charlie too!



 

Heart of Haiti Mirror, Morning Sun

If you'd like to purchase a Mother's Day gift from the Heart of Haiti collection you can use the promo code CLEVERGIRLS to receive 15% off their products.

 

 

 

 

This discount is available 5/3-5/8.  These are a few of the items I really like on their site.   To view the entire collection visit  http://bit.ly/gaalFP

 

 

 

Heart of Haiti Metal Giftware, Coral Collection

 

Purchases from this collection support a worthy cause.

The sale of these treasures provides life-saving income for these artisans.

 

Heart of Haiti Bowls, Ceremonial Collection

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Mother's Day Sweets and Treats Basket from Gourmet Gift Basket--- Review and GIveaway

I was very excited to be offered the opportunity to review a basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.    I've seen them online before and thought they looked like an easy, yet thoughtful gift for people you need to ship a gift to, or for those hard to buy for individuals.   I was asked to review the "Mother's Day Sweets & Treats Basket".   I was only too eager to check out the yummy sounding treats put together in such a cute basket.    Love the bright colored curled ribbon!  They also carry other Mother's Day baskets such as ones for golf lovers, gardeners, one packaged in a fun lunch tote, and more!

My basket arrived looking like this:

 Included in the basket:

• Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookies-- I love the combination of key lime and white chocolate so I was happy to see these in the basket!   They're medium sized and crunchy with a nice mellow taste.
• Bountiful Harvest Granola--This is a moist granola filled with grains, seeds, and fruit.    It was yummy eaten plain out of the bag, and I also put some in a bowl and ate it with a bit of milk on top.  Great both ways.
• Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats-- My son who is an avowed lover of Reese's Cups announced this his favorite item.    They aren't too sweet and do melt in your mouth.
• Cranberry Orange Nut Mix-- Oh My!    This was so delicious!  It had walnuts, almonds, pecans and cranberries with an orange flavoring on them.   My only complaint about these were that I wanted a HUGE bag. 
• Metropolitan Trail Mix--My family loves dried fruit so this was a treat for everyone.    It has dried pineapple (to die for), papaya, bananas, other fruit and assorted nuts.    Great snack!
• Chocolate Covered Nut Medley--My husband loves chocolate covered nuts so these were a favorite of his.   These have macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds and cashews covered in milk chocolate.  Another big hit with my family. 
• Cheese Biscuits--At the end of taste testing so many sweet treats, we were excited to find a savory snack included.    These little biscuits have a strong flavor of sharp cheddar cheese and a bit of a kick.    My son asked for some more of these but I'm not sure I want to share!

My overall impression is that this would make a great gift for anyone, including your mother or mother-in-law.  You could order the basket delivered to them if they live out of town or you could ship it to yourself and arrive on Mother's Day with this nice surprise!   You could also drop some not so subtle hints to your family to order one for you.   In addition to the wide assortment of tasty treats, the basket makes a nice presentation.

WIN IT: 

Gourmet Gift Baskets has offered one of my readers the identical Mother's Day Sweets and Treats Basket.

  

Mandatory Entry:

"Like" Gourmet Gift Baskets on Facebook and tell them a product you like from their site.   Come back and let me know!   It would be great if you also let them know Pammie in Jammies sent you.  (If you do not have facebook, you can comment on your favorite item here on this post)

Extra Entries:

1)  Read about my son in a college scholarship contest.    Here's the link to my son's entry if you'd like to vote for him.    (2 entries so leave 2 comments)   Grad Contest

2)  Follow me on GFC  (2 entries so leave 2 comments) 

3)  Sign up for my email newsletter in the upper right side bar and make sure to verify the link in the email you'll receive   (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
4)  Enter any other open giveaway.   1 entry for each you enter.
5)  Follow Gourmet Gift Baskets on twitter and come back to let me know! 

6)  Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in this giveaway.  You must be an active member of swagbucks at the end of the giveaway for these entries to count.  Make sure to leave 5 separate entries.
7) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page.    Two entries so leave two credits.   

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Tues. May 3rd at 10PM EST.   Must be 18 or older to enter and must reside in the US. Winner will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email.   Winner must respond by within 24 hours  or a new winner will be selected.  Prize will be mailed from the sponsor.



 

Disclosure:   I received a gift basket to review for this post.     My post is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. 

Pear Tree Greetings $20 Gift Code Giveaway.

As a Pearista I get to showcase different products and offer my readers prizes from Pear Tree Greetings each month.    This month they're showcasing their Kids Birthday Party Invitations, although the winner can select any items from the site, not just birthday invitations.    They have such a wide variety of birthday invitations to choose from including photo invitations.

When my son was little he was OBSESSED with pirates.    I had him a pirate birthday party one year complete with eye patches for all the little boys, a pirate pinata, and even a "treasure hunt" for a hidden chest of golden chocolate coins.   Wouldn't this invitation have been perfect to go with our theme?

They even have darling thank you cards and address labels to match.   The address labels look like the skull and crossbones at the botton of the invitation!

 We have always jokingly called my daughter "The Princess" and I love these Pink Princess Birthday Party Invitations.     I think this  could be so cute for a little girls princess party and can be individualized with her age also.   These also have adorable thank you cards and address labels that match that are pink with a crown on them.    These would have been perfect for Her Royal Highness that lives in our house!

WIN IT: 

Pear Tree Greeting has offered one of my readers a $20 e-gift code to use for anything on their site.  

  

Mandatory Entry:

Go to Pear Tree Greetings and tell me at least one thing you'd get with your gift code.    It CANNOT be an item I reviewed on this post. 

Extra Entries:  
1)  Follow me on GFC  (2 entries so leave 2 comments) 

2)  Sign up for my email newsletter in the upper right side bar and make sure to verify the link in the email you'll receive   (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
3)  Enter any other open giveaway.
4)  Read about Pear Tree's Graduation contest.    Here's the link to my son's entry if you'd like to vote for him.    (2 entries so leave 2 comments)   Grad Contest

5) Like Pear Tree on facebook and tell them Pammie in Jammies sent you! 
6)  Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in this giveaway.  You must be an active member of swagbucks at the end of the giveaway for these entries to count.  Make sure to leave 5 separate entries.
7) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page.    Two entries so leave two credits.   

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed.  May 4th at 10PM EST.   Must be 18 or older to enter and must reside in the US. Winner will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email.   Winner must respond by within 48 hours  or a new winner will be selected.  Prize will be mailed from the sponsor.



 

Disclosure:   I received no products to review for this post.    I'm merely offering the giveaway as a treat to my readers.       My post is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. .

Amazing Deal on a General Mills Sampler Pack

Groupon is running another great deal on Thursday.    You can get a General Mills sampler pack that includes all the items listed below.     It also comes with a coupon book that will save you more money on your future shopping trips.    Shipping is included in the Groupon price of $20 (approximate $40 value).

• 12.8 ounce Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
• 13 ounce Reese's Puffs cereal
• 12 ounce Kix cereal
• 12.8 ounce Cascadian Farms Organic cereal
• 5.8 ounce Fiber One 90-Calorie Chewy Bars
• 5.8 ounce Hamburger Helper
• 11 ounce Green Giant Corn Niblets
• 9.5 ounce Old El Paso Tortilla Stuffers
• 5 ounce Fruit Roll-Ups
• 10.5 ounce Chex Mix Muddy Buddies snack mix
• 17.5 ounce Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix
• 13.7 ounce Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken dinner kit

There's a limit of 2 purchases per person, although you can buy up to two more to give as gifts.   Here's the link to view the deal or to purchase.

Six Pack of Thank You Cards for only $1 with Free Shipping!

As a Pearista, I always provide a great review and giveaway each month from Pear Tree Greetings.   Have no fear!   There's another coming in just a few days, but in the mean time I wanted to let you in on a great deal they're running on their site.    It's only good April 20th and 21st or until 5000 packs are gone.    All you have to do in enter your email address and you'll receive the 6 cards for $1 with free shipping.    Thank you cards are always great to have on hand.    With a graduating senior I know these would come in handy for us!    Click on the Pear Tree link here to sign up and get the deal. 

Fun and Free Easter Activities for Kids!

Bass Pro Shops has several free activities for kids.   Click to see more info if you live near one.

Make a Foam Magnet East Egg Decoration:

Friday 6-8PM

Saturday & Sunday Noon -3PM

Easter Egg Hunt:

Saturday & Sunday at 1PM

Free 4X6 Photo with the Easter Bunny:

Thursday & Friday 6-8PM

Saturday & Sunday 11 AM-3PM

Large 10 Topping Pizza at Domino's (up to $20 value) for $8. April 20th only.

Groupon has a deal for a large pizza with up to 10 toppings for only $8 on Wed. April 20th    Great deal!   You can buy up to 3 Groupons, but only use one at a time and the pizza must be ordered online and for carryout only.  

Click the picture above for more information or to order.   

Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzels Review and GIveaway

I was recently contacted and asked if I'd like to review some Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzels.   Each of the pretzels are twisted by hand and made from scratch using all-natural and premium ingredients.   Hmmm....gourmet pretzels...stuffed with a variety of yummy ingredients from sweet to savory to spicy....Yeah, that didn't take me long to decide.    I couldn't wait for them to arrive and quickly put my family members to work taste testing them. 

The first ones we tried were the grilled cheese variety.   This was a big hit with both my husband and my daughter.   They liked the ooey gooey  warm cheddar cheese that was stuffed inside.  There's also cheddar cheese sprinkled on top of the pretzel.

The stuffed Pizza Pretzels were also devoured by my son and my husband although I did insist on a bite.  They're stuffed with shredded mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce and have Italian spices and cheese sprinkled on the pretzel.   Sort of like a portable, less messy slice of pizza!   I think these would be great for kids lunches.

 
The Apple Cinnamon was one of my two personal favorites.    They're stuffed with apple pie filling, apples, cane sugar and cinnamon.  They're topped with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle that makes them oh so yummy!   It was like eating a piece of warm apple pie but without a fork.   Loved these!

                          

The Chocolate Crumb Pretzels are stuffed with a creamy fudge filling, baked with cocoa, and sprinkled with a chocolate crumb topping then ending with a chocolate drizzle.    With two chocoholics in my house these were VERY popular.    I insisted on having a few bites, not because they looked and smelled so good, but because...ahem....I needed to taste them to review them of course!!  Sacrifice for the sake of my blog!

The Cheddar Jalapeño was also quite yummy.    My son and I like spicy food so this was a nice treat.  They're stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapeno peppers, chili flakes, cumin and garlic.   They're topped with some additional jalapeños and shredded cheese.  So give the cheddar cheese ones to your more timid family members and save these for those who like a kick with their food! 

The Spinach Feta pretzels were my other favorite.   I love both spinach and feta so knew I couldn't miss with this one!   They're stuffed with chopped spinach, crumbles of feta, and a bit of garlic.   The nice folks at Kim and Scott's also add ALA Omega-3 from flax in them for an extra healthy boost.  I think these could be a great adult (or child) lunch or snack.  

WIN IT: 

The lovely Brian of Kim and Scott's Pretzels has offered one of my readers the opportunity to pick four boxes from those listed here which includes a wide variety of classic pretzels, stuffed pretzels, gluten free pretzels and stuffed bagels.   I haven't tried the stuffed bagels yet, but that cream cheese one is calling my name!

  

Mandatory Entry:

Go to the Kim and Scott's product page and tell me which four items you'd pick if you're the lucky winner. 
 

Extra Entries:  
1)  Follow me on GFC  (2 entries so leave 2 comments) 

2)  Sign up for my email newsletter in the upper right side bar and make sure to verify the link in the email you'll receive   (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
3)  Enter any other open giveaway.
4)  Follow Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzels on Twitter and leave a comment with your twitter name and link.

5)  Like them on facebook and tell them Pammie in Jammies sent you!
6)  Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in this giveaway.  You must be an active member of swagbucks at the end of the giveaway for these entries to count.  Make sure to leave 5 separate entries.
7) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page.    Two entries so leave two credits.   
8)  Check out this Grad Scholarship Contest and vote for my son if you think he's deserving.    (2 entries so 2 comments)

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed.  May 4th at 10PM EST.   Must be 18 or older to enter and must reside in the US. Winner will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email.   Winner must respond by within 48 hours  or a new winner will be selected.  Prize will be mailed from the sponsor.



 

Disclosure:   I received a sample of pretzels to be able to do a review of the products.    My review is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. .

Prefense Hand Sanitizer Review and Giveaway.

When given the opportunity, I jumped at the chance to review Prefense.   Prefense is an Alcohol Free  Hand Sanitizer which offers amazing protection against many bacteria, viruses, germs, molds, fungi, algae and spores.    One small squirt can protect you or your loved ones for 24 hours or through 10 hand washings.    It really only takes a small squirt too.   The first time I tried it on my family members I applied too much and it took a while to rub it in.   I learned to apply only a small amount, which is great since a bottle will last a long time.  

I let everyone in my family try it and they were pleased with the feel both during application and afterward, and with the smell.    Obviously we couldn't tell whether or not it was still offering us protection, but there is information from a study that supports that on their site.  



Some of the reasons to try Prefense and why we liked it!!

•  No alcohol! Prefense is made of all-natural organic ingredients and has absolutely NO alcohol in it!  This was obvious to us as our hands felt perfectly soft and not dried out after using the product. It also has a very soft mild fragrance without any alcohol smell to it. 

• It protects you for 24 hours or 10 hand washings!  This is what moms really love to hear!   Imagine the possibilities with this.    Outings with the kids is the first thing that comes to mind.....petting dogs, picking up rocks or even frogs!!

• Prefense is non-toxic and safe for kids! It will not hurt you if swallowed!  Not that any of us plan to swallow it, but it's nice to know that it is non-toxic.  

• Prefense is silica based which means it doesn’t dry out your hands like traditional alcohol sanitizers.  It actually smoothes and softens your hands which we noticed too.  My hand felt really soft after using the product.

• Prefense protects against staph, strep, E.coli, drug resistant MRSA strains, and more germs that other hand sanitizers can’t.

• Because “one spray lasts all day” the 1.5 oz Prefense Botanicals Hand Sanitizer offers 120 applications, costing only $.08 per day, compared to $1.20 per day with alcohol hand sanitizers.  The larger 8 oz bottle has 640 applications!

WIN IT:
Prefense would like to give one of my readers a chance to win a 8oz Prefense which offers 640 applications!
  
Mandatory Entry:
Give me an example of how Prefense could benefit you and your family.    When would you use it?  They have some great suggestions about how to use it at home, school, work, or travel on their homepage under the tab "About". 

Extra Entries:  

1)  Follow me on GFC  (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
2)  Sign up for my email newsletter in the upper right side bar and make sure to verify the link in the email you'll receive   (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
3)  Enter any other open giveaway.
4)  Follow Prefense on Twitter  and come back and let me know. 
5)  Like Prefense on Facebook and tell them Pammie in Jammies sent you!
6)  Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in this giveaway.  You must be an active member of swagbucks at the end of the giveaway for these entries to count.  Make sure to leave 5 separate entries.
7) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page.    Two entries so leave two credits.   
8)  Check out this Grad Contest and vote for my son if you think he's worthy.   Let me know!   (2 entries so 2 comments)



RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed.  April 27th at 10PM EST.   Must be 18 or older to enter and must reside in the US. Winner will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email.   Winner must respond by within 48 hours  or a new winner will be selected.  Prize will be mailed from the sponsor.



Disclosure:   I received a sample of Prefense to be able to do a review of the products.    My review is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. .