Pammie in Jammies

Kroger Private Selection: Review of Pizza, Appetizer, and Dessert

2012-01-05T23:36:00.004-05:00

Have your tried any of the Private Selection items from Kroger line of foods? I've tried a few before and always been pleased, so was happy to be able to review a few as a member of BzzAgent. I was given coupons to try an item from the pizza line, one from the appetizer line, and a dessert item.

My college daughter wanted to try the Margherita Napolitana baked pizza. We all liked this and enjoyed the crunchy crust, plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and halved grape tomatoes. We love tomatoes, but I will warn that if you have members of your family who don't like "visible" tomatoes, there are hunks of tomatoes. The box says it serves 3 and 3 of us tried it. It easily served us along with the other items, but alone would not have been enough for a meal.

My husband was anxious to try the Southwestern Style Chicken Trumpets.    This is best if served with optional sides of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.   The chicken is good shredded chicken though and my son LOVED them.   There are a total of 9 trumpets in the box that are moderately sized and they recommend 3 trumpets per serving although the 4 of us shared them.

My son who is a chocoholic was dying to try the Mini Eclairs. This was a huge hit with 3 of us.   The two kids and I LOVED them and my husband thought they were good but would be better if thawed more.   We were anxious and they were still cold in the center.   There were 20 eclairs in the box and they recommend a serving size of 5 per person or 4 total servings per box.   I think if you had a big meal, 3 of these would be plenty for a small dessert, but we did all gobble up our 5 each!

Overall all three items were thoroughly enjoyed by my family.   My son has already requested more!   These would be perfect for a quick meal, for a snack or even as great appetizers for the upcoming football playoffs and Super Bowl.   Give them a try and let me know what you think.

Merry Christmas to All.

2011-12-25T00:51:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my readers! I hope you enjoy a day spent with family, friends, and loved ones.

Peace on Earth

Gourmet Gift Baskets for the Holidays!

2011-12-16T23:52:00.004-05:00

I have previously reviewed gift baskets from GourmetGiftBaskets.com and loved everything about them. I was lucky enough to once again get to review one for the holidays that would make a perfect gift for parents, out of town relatives, or anyone who likes to snack! The basket pictured below is the Christmas Gift Basket Classic I received which arrived exactly as shown --wrapped in cellophane, tied with a multi colored raffia ribbon, and snuggled into a great basket that will be nice to keep and reuse. The basket is approximately 12" long and 10" wide to give you an idea of the size. Who wouldn't like to receive such a pretty package?

The items included in the package are:

· Almond Pecan-dy Crunch by Morley Candy Makers - 9.25 oz. - This ultra-luxurious candy crunch is made by covering gourmet popcorn and pecans in a rich, smooth caramel glaze.
· Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies by J&M Foods - 6 oz. - Made with only the finest of natural ingredients, these cookies will satisfy even the most discerning chocoholic.
· Dipping Pretzels by East Shore Specialty Foods - 6 oz. - These extraordinary pretzels are the perfect unsalted snack!
· Robert Rothschild Farm Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip - 7.8 oz. - This gourmet raspberry honey mustard dip adds a flavorful zing to pretzels, and goes especially well with the East Shore Specialty Foods Dipping Pretzels that we have included in our Gift Baskets for Christmas.
· Salted Peanuts in Box by Feridie's - 7 oz. – Only the finest peanuts, flavored with salt, these gourmet snacks are just as Mother Nature intended.
· Signature Dark Chocolate Bar by Lake Champlain - 3 oz. - This decadent and complex dark chocolate bar will satisfy the cravings of even the most discerning chocolate lover.
· Buttered Peanut Crunch by Old Dominion Peanut Company - 10 oz. - This flavorful peanut crunch is made with only top of the line gourmet peanuts, brown sugar, and “AA” grade butter. Taste them and you will understand that the best ingredients create the best peanut crunch!
· Metropolitan Trail Mix by GourmetGiftBaskets.com - 4 oz. - Our proprietary blend of nuts and dried fruit is a delicious and surprisingly healthy snack.
· Parmesan Artichoke & Garlic Cheese Biscuits by Salem Baking Company - 1.5 oz. - These crumbly biscuits will melt in your mouth leaving a trail of flavor to be savored.
· Chocolate Covered Cherries by Marich - 2.3 oz. - These indulgent gourmet chocolate covered cherries are one of the favorite snacks in our line of Holiday Gift Baskets.

This is the basket once I opened it and took out some of the items to check out!    We've been slowly snacking out way through the basket, and there's something for everyone.   I'm more of a "savory" soft of snacker so enjoyed the Salted Peanuts which are large sized peanuts and the Parmesan Artichoke Garlic Cheese Biscuits.   I think my favorites are the Dipping Pretzels and the Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip.   I told my husband I thought they were like snack crack!   I knew I should stop eating them, but I just couldn't.   The pretzels are fatter than traditional pretzels in a store so dip well and the dip is the best pretzel dip I've ever had....no joke!

My husband is more of a "sweet" sort of guy so he headed for the Butter Peanut Crunch...yummy...and the Almond Pecan-dy Crunch and the Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies.   He recommends them all highly. (Okay.   So I ate a few too.)

If you're looking for an easy to send, yet impressive to receive gift, then one of these baskets can be just the trick you need.   You can pick from baskets like I received, Hanukkah baskets, baskets including wine or champagne (That would be fun!), or baskets featuring chocolates, fruit, or even breakfast items.

There are baskets in different price ranges and can still be delivered in time for Christmas to those far away, or to your own door for a gift you can take with you.    I know I've enjoyed the two baskets I've received and am sure your recipients will too! Check out GourmetGiftBaskets.com online or their facebook page.

Pottery Barn Teen: 75% off + free ship on laptop bags, laptop sleeves, messenger bags and backpacks!

2011-11-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

Pottery Barn Teen has their laptop bags, sleeves, messenger bags and backpacks for 75% off!!! The sleeves are only $4.99 with free shipping, and the laptop bags are only $9.99 with free shipping. Great deals and usually Pottery Barn has such great quality items!

Link to sleeves, laptop bags, and messenger bags

Link to backpacks
Backpacks orig. $45.50 starting at only $11.99 with free shipping of course! Assortment of colors and patterns and all of the items can be personalized.

So get shopping already!

FREE Hardcover book..."Dead Head".

2011-11-17T02:59:00.000-05:00

I received an email from Rosemary Harris tonight announcing she's giving away free copies of her book "Dead Head". To receive it all you have to do is email her at rosemary@rosemaryharris.com and put the words FREE DEAD HEAD in the subject. Don't forget to put your mailing address in the body of the email.

I'd hurry on this. I'm not sure she's ready for the onslaught of requests she'll receive and it does say as long as supplies last . Enjoy reading!

Get a $4 off coupon for Vicks new Nature Fusion cold and flu medicine.

2011-10-25T15:45:00.002-04:00

Get a $4 off coupon to try Vicks new Nature Fusion Cold and Flu medicine. Perfect to have on hand for the upcoming winter months. Sounds yummy with honey as the natural sweetener. Click below to request a coupon. Hurry...the coupons are limited.

Vocalpoint.com/BeTheFirstSample

They also have the ability to request a free sample tube of Crest^® Complete Multi-Benefit Whitening + Deep Clean Toothpaste while there. Enjoy!

$25 Boston Market Gift Card for only $15!

2011-10-20T17:51:00.000-04:00

I hope you have a Boston Market near you. There's a great deal going on now at Save More to get a $25 gift card for only $15. If you don't know, Save More is another daily deal site similar to Groupon or Living Social. Just click on this link and it'll take you to a sign up page where you can join and then purchase the gift card. It's only good through the end of day on Friday, so sign up now!

Features

More than 490 locations from coast to coast
Fresh, home-style meals
Healthy options available
Meals for one or the whole family
Quality ingredients
Rotisserie chicken, turkey, meatloaf & brisket
Gourmet sides like garlic dill potatoes, squash casserole & vegetable stuffing

Details

Boston Market codes will be available for purchasers to claim for ninety days following the offer period. If code is not claimed within 90 days following offer period, code will be converted to credit. SaveMore.com referral or sign up credit are not a valid means of purchase for this promotion. Boston Market Gift Card does not expire. Voucher will be available for redemption on 10/29/11. Please allow 10-15 business days for shipping of physical gift card after claimed. Limit one voucher per household.

100 Swagbucks for Joining Today!

2011-10-17T01:39:00.002-04:00

Sorry....should have posted this sooner as it ends at the end of day Monday. Anyone joining who joins through this link or by clicking on the banner below and enters the code 5For5 will get an additional 70 swagbucks in addition to the usual 30 you get at signup. So you'll START with 100 swagbucks.

I'm sure you're heard of swagbucks and know that it's a search engine that lets you earn points simply for searching that you can then convert into gift cards or other prizes! I've already earned about $225 in Amazon gift cards this year I'm planning to use for Christmas. Very easy. You can earn points other ways also such as playing quick online games, doing surveys, watching short videos, etc.

If you have any questions you can post here or email me. But for now, you should hurry and sign up before this special code expires!! (just so you know....only certain swagbuck members can give out that code so be sure to only join through the link of someone who was given the code via email....not that they stole elsewhere off the internet).

Free Gooseberry Patch Thanksgiving Cookbook Kindle Edition

2011-10-16T19:19:00.000-04:00

Free Gooseberry Patch Thanksgiving Cookbook Kindle Edition

Click on link above. Enjoy!

Oreo 48 6-packs of Cookies for only $13.53!! Only $.28 per pack.

2011-10-15T01:44:00.001-04:00

Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, 2-Ounce Packages (Pack of 48)

Amazon has a 48 pack of Oreo cookie packs that each contain 6 cookies for only $13.53 with subscribe and ship. (Four packages that each contain 12 packages with 6 cookies in each) That's only $.28 per pack! If you've never done subscribe and ship it's a recurring grocery order that ships your items for free and offers a lower price (additional 15% off) than the usual Amazon price. If you like the product, you can keep getting it. If you only want the single shipment, you can cancel once they ship, after your item arrives, or when they send you a notice they'll be sending your next shipment soon. You WON'T get an unwanted shipment. They always email you before so you can cancel if you want.

These could be great for lunch if you're a mom who sends unhealthy treats! (And who doesn't occasionally?!?) They'd also be great for trick or treat candy, for a bribe if your kids are being brats, or your husband for that matter! Or even for some major PMS attacks. The individual packages have 6 cookies so you aren't tempted to gobble a whole package.

Just click the link above for some Oreo madness! Enjoy!

Another Great Way to Earn Swagbucks!

2011-10-09T13:46:00.002-04:00

If you're a regular reader of my blog you've heard me talk about swagbucks many times. I LOVE it! I've already gotten over $200 in amazon gift cards saved up this year alone to buy Christmas gifts! If you don't know much about it, you can read one of my previous posts about swagbucks here (sorry...the offer for extra swagbucks has expired), or if you're ready to join, just click on the banner below.

Each of the next three months they'll be highlighting a different way to earn swagbucks besides the traditional search tool. This month they're highlighting Special Offers. Through that function you can earn swagbucks for simply watching short videos, signing up for newsletters on subjects that interest you, searching for comparative prices for things such as car insurance, signing up for Netflix, or many other ways. You can just search through all the offers that are available and check out only the ones that interest you. You can quickly rack up some serious swagbucks that way! Here is the info that swagbucks asked me to share with you:

"For those who enjoy using Swagbucks reward points to get free stuff, there are lots of ways to earn - have you tried Special Offers?

Special Offers gives you a way to rack up Swag Bucks quickly by taking actions ranging fro surveys to free trials to making purchases to liking a Facebook page or simply watching videos. Take the action, get the bucks. It's that simple.

There are plenty of free offers as well as those that reward you for buying something - you have complete control over your Special Offers experience. The Special Offers page has hundreds of offers from recognized brands through a number of different providers, and the Swagbucks Team works hard to ensure that only the most honest and rewarding offers make it to the page.

You can visit the Swagbucks Special Offers page or look for offers on the rotating images in the Swagbucks homepage. From time to time, Team Swagbucks will send you an message to your Swagbucks inbox containing a limited time offer, so check there frequently! If you ever have reason to believe that an offer is not what it promises, please send an email to offeralert@swagbucks.com so their team can take the appropriate actions.

Try it out today!"

Free Sample of Cinnabon Cream of Wheat Cereal.

2011-10-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

Free sample of Cinnabon Cream of Wheat instant hot cereal. Sound yummy to me! The sample request is in the upper right corner. Hurry and sign up before they run out!

Three Free Samples at Walmart! Toothpaste, Tampons, and Sanitary Pads!

2011-10-05T13:50:00.002-04:00

I love Walmart samples. They ALWAYS come, unlike some other free samples, and they come quickly. Today they have three free samples. Check them out now as they usually run out in a few days! They're all still available at the time of this blog posting.

Aquafresh Toothpaste

Playtex Gentle Glide Tampax...choice of two kinds.

Poise Hourglass Pads

Movie Review of "Moneyball" with Brad Pitt.

2011-09-21T13:11:00.000-04:00

I get invited to a lot of free movie screenings before the movies hit the theaters. They're always during the week and usually my husband doesn't want to go. Well I finally drug my husband to one. Last night we saw Moneyball that's coming out this Friday.

My husband is a HUGE baseball fan and so he already knew the story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) but I know very little about baseball and had never heard of the guy. Despite that, we both REALLY liked it.

It tells the story of how Beane, a general manager for the Oakland Athletics, couldn't compete in the baseball world because they're a low budget franchise (I forget but $30-40M maybe?) against teams like the Yankees with their $125 budget per year. He met a guy who believed in sabermetrics...a method of quantifying players based on statistics instead of traditional baseball techniques. He decided to try it since he couldn't buy big bucks players so instead looked for "under valued players" and players who got on base often despite other flaws. They did a good job of incorporating the statistical method without making it too complicated of boring.

I'm not a huge Brad Pitt fan, but thought he was great (so did my husband). The other big character was the VERY chubby, VERY nerdy guy he brought in to help him with the statistics and picking players based on it. Sort of the non-typical baseball guy. The character is played by Jonah Hill, usually known for comedy, and we both LOVED his character. I think he played the role perfectly. There were some other more minor characters played by Robin Wright Penn and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Even if you're not a baseball fan or give one hoot about statistics or any of that, it's a great story. Sort of the underdog takes on the world type story. It's rated PG-13 for language, but there's no nudity, sex, drugs, etc. Definitely a good movie for older kids too.

If you see it this weekend, come back and let me know if you enjoyed it!! We give it two thumbs up

Great Time to Join Swagbucks for an Extra 50 Swagbucks!!

2011-08-11T12:27:00.000-04:00

I hope you've heard of Swagbucks by now.    I joined over a year ago and absolutely LOVE it.    If you don't know, it's a search engine that is powered by Google and Ask.com and will reward you with "swagbucks" for doing your routine searching.    You then redeem your "swagbucks" for gift cards or prizes.    I've been getting five Amazon $5 gift cards per month since April 2010. So that earns me $300 per year in Amazon gift cards I can use to buy gifts, video games, books, etc.    I did quite a bit of my Christmas shopping using my Amazon credit that I'd earned through Swagbucks.   I also have bought other giftcards (such as itunes), actual products, and had money deposited into my paypal account.

There's a wide variety of way to earn points, from the simple searching, to watching videos (they've recently added some fun food ones) to playing games.   You can also use their shopping links to earn a percentage back.    I fairly easily earn quite a few swagbucks by doing a variety of the activities as my time allows.

Well if you've not joined yet, I have a special deal for you.    Certain individuals have been given a special swag code we can give away to new people who join through our links.    And I'm one of the lucky people with the code and you're one of the lucky people who can use it!!

Join now through the banner at the top to get the 30 swagbucks everyone gets when they join, but remember to ALSO enter the code AUGUSTBONUS in the code box for the EXTRA 50 swagbucks I can give you! That's a total of 80 swagbucks right off the bat. If you have any problems getting your extra bonus bucks, just contact them through their customer service email, or even email me and I can always get it worked out for you.   The extra 50 swagbucks are only good through the end of the day (Swagbucks time) Friday Aug. 12th.

So join now and start earning those swagbucks!   I love it and I'm sure you will too!

$25 Gift Card Giveaway!!

2011-08-09T00:29:00.004-04:00

Once again as a Pearista, I'm going to introduce you to some of Pear Tree Greetings products, and am offering a giveaway. This month the giveaway is a great one--$25 to spend on ANY item(s) on their site!! Here's just a few of the items you can get.

I love these thank you notes. I think thank you notes also make great teacher gifts or Christmas gifts. You can personalize them with your monogram and they also carry matching address labels.

It's never to early to start thinking about getting photo Christmas cards. Hopefully you're more organized than me and can order some soon! These also have matching address labels and Christmas letter inserts available.

Whatever your stationery needs are, Pear Tree can satisfy them. They carry birthday party and wedding invitations, other holiday cards (Halloween will be here soon!), and so many other products. Go check them out!

WIN IT:

Pear Tree Greeting has offered one of my readers $25 gift card (ecard) to use on any item(s) on their site.

Mandatory Entry:

Go to the Pear Tree site and tell me one thing you'll order (the item name...not just thank you notes for example).

Extra Entries:
1) Follow me on GFC

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) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page. Two credits so leave two entries.

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. If you join by the end of day Aug. 12th, you'll get an EXTRA 50 swagbucks. After Aug. 12th, you'll get the usual sign up bonus.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Saturday August 13th 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. .

Get a Coupon for a Free Fresh Express Salad.

2011-07-12T18:21:00.000-04:00

For those of you that are already Vocalpoint members, click the link below to sign up for your coupon for the free salad. Hurry! The coupons always go fast. If you're not already a member, you'll need to sign up first. Vocalpoint often offers some great free items to sample, so sign up now!!
Sign up at vocalpoint for free samples

Two Free Museum Admissions.....Lots of Museums in All States to Choose From!

2011-07-06T14:53:00.000-04:00

Free Ticket for Two

To receive your free Museum Day Ticket for two people only, please enter your information into the fields on the form provided at the link below. Your Ticket will be emailed to you after you submit your information. You must print your ticket and present it to receive your free admission. It's sponsored by Smithsonian, but there are multiple museums available in every state (not just Smithsonian related ones) and you can select which museum you want to get your tickets for.

Free Museum Admissions info.

Pear Tree Notelettes--Review and Giveaway of 24 Notelettes

2011-06-20T00:23:00.007-04:00

As a Pear Tree Pearista, I'm once again able to introduce you to a new product they carry....The Notelettes! I think they'd be PERFECT to use as little cards to stick on gifts. The ones shown on the left can even be personalized with your initial. Just write happy birthday or whatever on the inside and then attach it to the gift.

They're small cards that are only business card sized, so perfect to include in lunch boxes or stick in your husband's suitcase when he's traveling. Wouldn't these little heart notes that say "I LOVE YOU" with the cutout heart be just perfect for that! Such an easy way to make your family feel special and loved.

You can also do photo notelettes. So many choices!

One lucky reader of Pammie in Jammies is going to win their own choice of the 14 designed Notelettes. Think of all the fun things you can do with these.

WIN IT:

Pear Tree Greeting has offered one of my readers 24 Notelettes...some of which can be personalized with photos or initials, etc.

Mandatory Entry:

What would these little Notelettes for? Give me some ideas! Or tell me which of the 14 styles you would select for yourself? Give the Pear Tree name and not just one of the ones shown above. (i.e. go to the site!)

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

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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed July 6th 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.

Get a FREE Collage Photo at Walgreen's

2011-06-16T13:57:00.001-04:00

Walgreen's Collage Photo Print for FREE when you use the coupon code 1FREEBIE when you check out. Must pick up in store. Expires June 18!

	Available in 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 sizes
	Printed on photo paper, available with a glossy or matte finish
	Include up to 20 photos and choose your background color
	Add an optional title either above or below your photos

These would make great gifts for dad or grandpa for Father's Day. Now to just decide which photos to pick...hmmmm.....

It's BACK! Get a $20 Gift Code to Old Navy for only $10!

2011-06-16T13:26:00.002-04:00

Buy Your Old Navy Groupon Now!!

The Fine Print

Expires Jul 30, 2011
Limit 1 per person. Groupon purchase may take up to 48 hours to process. Valid on purchase of $20 or more until 7/30/2011 at Old Navy Stores only. Product restrictions apply. One time use in US only. Not transferable. Not valid for cash/cash equivalent. Not combinable with other offers. Good for $20 of merchandise ($10 Paid For value plus $10 Discount Offer value). Discount Offer value expires 7/30/2011. $10 Paid For value does not expire.

If you're not already a member of Groupon, click here to join.

FREE 5-Pack of Sharpie Highlighters at Office Max!

2011-06-14T18:26:00.001-04:00

FREE 5-pack of Sharpie Generation Accent Highlighters! You'll need a coupon either from your Sunday newspaper, printed out from their site, or they may have fliers in store. Enjoy!!

Seven FREE Issues of Parents Magazine

2011-06-14T17:42:00.000-04:00

Get 7 free issues of Parents Magazine by filling out a simple form. Only required info is name and mailing address. Enjoy for yourself or send to a friend or relative!

Diet Pepsi or Pepsi 12 packs for only $.99 Wednesday only!!

2011-06-14T17:07:00.000-04:00

I just got this in an email from CVS. What a deal!

Details:
*Visit the ExtraCare Coupon Center 6/15/11 at store. Scan your card before you shop to get offer with full details and printable coupon. Available in all stores except NY and CT. See 6/12 weekly ad for full sale details and limitations on Pepsi and Diet Pepsi.

Only $10 for a $20 Old Navy Gift Card....Good on Sale Items Too!

2011-06-02T00:32:00.013-04:00

Click here for more info!!

Heads up!! This hasn't started yet, but will on Thursday, so check it out. Groupon is running a one day deal where you can buy an Old Navy gift card worth $20 for only $10!! Half price Old Navy and it's good on sale items also.

The Fine Print

Expires Jul 30, 2011
Limit 1 per person. Purchase of Groupon may take up to 48 hours to process. Valid on purchase of $20 or more from 6/2 to 7/30/2011 at Old Navy Stores only. Product restrictions apply. One time use in US only. Not transferable. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Good for $20 of merchandise ($10 Paid For value plus $10 Discount Offer value). Discount Offer value expires 7/30/2011. $10 Paid For value does not expire.

FREE Kids Stationery Set!! Sign up Now!

2011-05-21T11:27:00.003-04:00

Use these six cards to inspire your children to practice their handwriting, and keep in touch with loved ones both near and far. All you have to do is sign up for Pear Tree email list, enter your mailing info, and you do NOT have to enter any billing information.

Offer ends when promotional item runs out or 05/23/2011 at 11:59 CST, whichever occurs first. Limit one pack per person.

24 Free Personalized Party Invitations Giveaway from Pear Tree Greetings

2011-05-21T11:20:00.002-04:00

As a Pearista for Pear Tree Greetings I get to introduce you to their products. This month they're showcasing their new party invitations and one lucky reader will get 24 free individualized invitations!!

Classic Timeline--Anniversary Photo Invitations

I love these anniversary invitations that you can individualize with multiple pictures that tell a story of a couples path through life together. Just imagine...dating pictures, engagement pictures, wedding pictures, birth of children, and on through life.

Wet 'N Wild Watermelon--Summer Party Invitations

Or how about these cute watermelon shaped invitations perfect for a summer party, picnic or family reunion!

WIN IT:

Pear Tree Greeting has offered one of my readers 24 Personalized Party Invitations.

Mandatory Entry:

What is you favorite party to throw? Or what party do you have coming up this summer you could use these invitations for?

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

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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Sunday June 5th 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.

$26 for 8 Regular Sized Quizno Subs (punch card). Value up to $52

2011-05-18T11:33:00.000-04:00

$26 for a Punch Card for Eight Regular-Size Subs at One Quiznos Location of Your Choice (Up to $51.92 Value)

Multiple Locations

The Fine Print

Expires Jul 4, 2011
Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Not valid until 5/20/11. Must exchange Groupon for punch card by 7/4/11, punch card does not expire. Punch card valid only at location purchased.

Click HERE to access the deal.

Nine Winners! Were You One?

2011-05-11T13:57:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to these 9 winners! I've emailed the winners, so check your inbox.

Country Bob's Gift Pack:
BethElderton said... 33 #2 I voted for your awesome kid

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce 2 bottles (3 winners):
kakihara said... 103 voted for your son (I was vote 41) hope he wins!!

EmmaPeel said... 90 I voted for your son #3

kolpin said... 57 gfc follower

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels:
abitnerdy said... 66 i follow via GFC

Pear Tree Greetings $20 e-gift code:
Super Blogger Girl! said... 19 I gfc follow

Peeled Snacks Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler:
Gianna said... 67 I'm a GFC follower.

Funky Monkey Dried Fruit Snacks:
dvice12 said... 46 I can get them at Whole Foods near me

Skintactix Suncreen:
Bakersdozen said... 7 Email subscriber.

It's My One Year Blogiversary (Is that a word?) and I'm Having a Party!

2011-05-06T20:52:00.001-04:00

Yes, I started out a year ago extremely computer illiterate and wondering if anyone would ever come and visit. Now a year later I'm STILL mostly computer illiterate LOL but I'm grateful people have shown up anyway!

A few of my favorite sponsors from the last year were generous enough to offer items for my blogiversary party. Please visit these posts to enter new contests sponsored by each one and also the original posts I did on their products!

Country Bob's Gift Pack --Ends May 10th

ALSO Country Bob's 3 Winners of 2 Bottle Each of All Purpose Sauce--May 10th

Original Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce Review and Giveaway

Peeled Snacks Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler --Ends May 10th

Original Peeled Snack Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack Review and Giveaway

Funky Monkey Dried Fruit Snack (7 bags)--Ends May 10th

Original Funky Monkey Review and Giveaway

Skintactix Titanium Dioxide SPF 30 sunscreen--Ends May 10th

Original Skintactix Acne Treatment Review and GIveaway

Thanks so much to all the sponsors for helping me give gifts to my readers to celebrate my blogiversary!!

Get a Five Piece Stationery Set for $1--- Includes Free Shipping!

2011-05-05T12:26:00.003-04:00

A great deal for yourself or as a gift for others.

Click on the photo to check it out!

Funky Monkey Dried Fruit Snacks "Fruit that Crunches": Review and GIveaway

2011-05-05T01:30:00.002-04:00

I'm celebrating the first year anniversary of my blog, and am happy that Funky Monkey offered to help me celebrate by offering another giveaway. In August 2010 I did a review of their dried fruit snacks! You can read my previous review here of the Funky Monkey Snacks. Each ounce of Funky Monkey contains three servings of fruit, providing a snack that is delicious, healthy and convenient.

Once again I gathered my family to help me taste test the snacks. Since we'd already reviewed them before we knew we were in for a treat! We sampled all seven flavors of Funky Monkey Snacks--Applemon, Bananamon, Carnaval Mix, JiveALime, Mango OJ, Pink Pineapple, and Purple Funk. We liked them all and quickly gobbled them up. My two favorite were JiveALime and Pink Pineapple because I prefer the tart ones. The overall favorite of everyone was the Carnaval Mix.

Funky Monkey Snacks are a line of freeze-dried fruit that are 100% natural, 100% real fruit, and 100% delicious – with three servings of fruit in each 1oz bag! Our “fruit that crunches” provides the ultimate snack, fusing the great taste, smell, and nutritional goodness of fresh fruit with the crunch and convenience of conventional snacks. Here are some additional Funky Monkey highlights:

• Funky Monkey Snacks have no added colors, flavors, sugars, or preservatives

• Our special, proprietary manufacturing process provides for a crunchier texture vs. conventional freeze-drying techniques

• We use full slices and pieces (not dices) of delicious, fresh fruit
• Funky Monkey is made in Brazil using tropical fruits at the peak of freshness

• Our products are gluten-free and are certified Kosher

• One of our 7 flavors, Purple Funk, also includes açai, a berry from the Amazon that is viewed as the newest superfood

You can check out the Funky Monkey website and view the flavors.
To check for them locally in stores click HERE
Check them out on Twitter . They have lots of giveaways and contests there.
Sign up for their newsletter HERE

WIN IT:

Funky Monkey has offered one of my readers a prize of one bag each of all 7 flavors of Funky Monkey Snacks.

Mandatory Entry:

Do either one of the following:

1) Sign up for the Funky Monkey newsletter OR

2) Use the link here to find them locally then tell me where you can buy them.

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. (5 entries so leave 5 comments!!!) Grad Contest

2) Follow me on GFC

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

4) Enter any other open giveaway. 1 entry for each you enter.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends May 10th 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 within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prize will be mailed from the sponsor.

Disclosure: I received samples of the Funky Monkey snack to allow me to review the products. My post is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.

Skintactix Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen: Review and Giveaway

2011-05-05T00:26:00.001-04:00

I'm celebrating the first year anniversary of my blog, and am happy that Skintactix offered to help me celebrate by offering another giveaway. In Feb. 2011 I did a review of the acne treatment products! You can read my review here of the Acne Kit A1: For Normal, Combination, or Oily Skin. The acne products worked great for my son. This time I was lucky enough to try a new item. I received Skintactix's Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen.

As it's been rainy for the last month in Indiana, I admit I've not been able to totally test out the sunscreen value of the product, but I have applied it to try it out before going outside. The scent is light and I actually like it! It rubs in easily without leaving a greasy white film that takes forever to soak in. It leaves my skin feeling soft and I can see how it would be easy to apply makeup after this product.

Chemical -Free UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection. Utilizes titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide sun protection without irritation.

WIN IT:

Skintactix has offered one of my readers a tube of the Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen SPF 30.

Mandatory Entry:

Do either one of the following:

1) Visit Skintactix and tell me a product you'd be interested in. It cannot be either of the two items mentioned in this review.

2) "Like" Skintactix on facebook and tell them Pammie in Jammies sent you.

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. (5 entries so leave 5 comments!!!) Grad Contest

2) Follow me on GFC

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

4) Enter any other open giveaway. 1 entry for each you enter.

Disclosure: I received a sample of Skintactix Titanium Dioxide. My post is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.

Country Bob's: Four Winner GIveaway of Country Bob's Sauce and Gift Pack Plus Cookbook Review

2011-05-04T01:44:00.013-04:00

I'm celebrating the first year anniversary of my blog, and am happy that Country Bob's offered to help me celebrate by offering another giveaway. In Feb. 2011 I did a review of their Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce which my family absolutely loved! You can read my review here of the Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce. They were also generous and later mailed me a cookbook.

The Country Bob's Cookbook is divided into four sections:

Appetizers, Soups, and Snacks--This section has 27 recipes including "Country Bob's Corned Beef Cheese Roll" and "Country Vegetable Dip".
Grilling--With 15 recipes such as "Huli Huli Chicken" and "Marinated Beef Skewers".
Desserts--15 recipes (don't worry only 2 use the sauce) such as "Pumpkin Delight" and "Toffee Bread Pudding"
Main Courses--This section contains 32 recipes such as "Sweet and Sour Pot Roast","Old Settler's Beans" and "Spicy Chicken Pizza".

My favorite recipe is "Country Bob's Meat Loaf"

1 1/2 lb lean ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

12 saltine crackrs crushed

2 eggs beaten

3/4 cup Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon Country Bob's Seasoning Salt

1/4 teaspoon peppe

Combine the ground beef, onion, cracker crumbs, eggs, Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce, milk, Country Bob's Seasoning Salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan. Spread the desired amount of additional Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce on top of the loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until the loaf is cooked through. Remove the loaf to a serving plate. Let stand for several minutes before slicing.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

One grand prize winner will receive one of their new Gift Packs pictured at the top of this post.

The Gift Pack Includes:

1 Bottle of Original All Purpose Sauce
1 Bottle of Apple Chipotle All Purpose Sauce
1 Bottle of Honey Habanero All Purpose Sauce
1 Bottle of Barbecue Sauce
1 Container of Seasoning Salt

WIN IT:

Country Bob's has offered a grand prize winner the new Gift Pack. Three other winners will each win 2 bottles of All Purpose Sauce.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit the link to recipes and tell me which recipe using Country Bob's Sauce you'd like to try. (Do NOT use one of the recipes I listed above.   You must visit the sponsor's recipe page and pick one from there.)

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.    (5 entries so leave 5 comments!!!)   Grad Contest

2) Follow me on GFC

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

4) Enter any other open giveaway. 1 entry for each you enter.

5) 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.
6) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page. Two entries so leave two credits.
RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends May 10th 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 samples of sauce and a cookbook previously from Country Bob's. My post is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.

Peeled Snacks: Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler Review and Giveaway

2011-05-04T00:26:00.014-04:00

I'm celebrating the first year anniversary of my blog, and am happy that Peeled Snacks offered to help me celebrate by offering another giveaway. In May 2010 I did a review of their Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack which my family absolutely loved! You can read my review here of the Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack. This time I was lucky enough to try some new items. I received four of the pouches from their new Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler.

NEW! Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler

Enjoy 8 new organic fruit pouches including 4 brand new varieties
Each stay-fresh, resealable pouch contains 2 to 6 servings (depending on the variety)
Natural source of vitamins, minerals, iron & fiber
Contains 8 pouches: 1 each of Apple-2-the-core (2.8oz), Apricot-a-lot (5oz), paradise found (3oz), much-ado-about-Mango (2.8oz), Banan-a-peel (3oz), Raisin expectations (8.4oz), farmer's market trio (4.5oz) & GoFigure (5oz)

The snacks I tried were:

Paradise Found comes in a resealable bag and contains over 2 servings per pouch of organic banana, mango, and pineapple. My whole family LOVED this--the mango and pineapple especially.

Go Figure is over 3 servings per reusable pouch and contains figs, dates, and apricots. This Mediterranean mix of exotic fruit wasn't as big a hit with my kids, probably because they've never had figs and dates before although they did love the apricots. I loved the sampler since I'm a fig lover.

The Farmer's Market Trio contains at least 3 servings of apples, cherries, and raisins. This was a huge hit with my kids because they like all those fruits. The resealable bags of all these make them convenient to take on trips, in diaper bags, or for multiple small snacks at home.

We also tried the Much Ado About Mango. We had tried this previously, but they now have the larger resealable bag. My family LOVED this the first time so of course we were happy to see it again in our box of goodies! I told the story in my first review of how my son who had NEVER had mango loved this so much he asked me to buy more to take in his school lunches. What mom wouldn't want to hear those words?

Once again my family enjoyed all the Peeled Snacks and I'm sure you'd love to give this tasty and healthy snack to your family too.

Peeled Snacks are made with ingredients that you recognize - large, easy-to-eat pieces of fruit that provide a natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber - with NO sugar added.

WIN IT:

Peeled Snacks has offered one of my readers the Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler.

Mandatory Entry:

Love on the sponsor in any of the following ways. Only one method is required, but you can get one entry for each of these methods you use.

1) Like Peeled Snacks on facebook and tell them Pammie in Jammies sent you!

2) Follow Peeled Snack of Twitter.

3) Sign up for their newsletter at the bottom left of their homepage.

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. (5 entries so leave 5 comments!!!) Grad Contest

2) Follow me on GFC

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 4) Enter any other open giveaway. 1 entry for each you enter.

5) 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.
6) "Like" me on my BRAND NEW Pammie in Jammies facebook page. Two entries so leave two credits.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends May 10th 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 some samples from Peeled Snacks. My post is my own and my honest opinion and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.

"A Woman Who Helped Me"

2011-04-29T14:34:00.000-04:00

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

2011-04-27T00:00:00.005-04:00

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.

2011-04-25T20:26:00.001-04:00

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.

Amazing Deal on a General Mills Sampler Pack

2011-04-21T01:14:00.001-04:00

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!

2011-04-20T23:43:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-04-20T20:30:00.001-04:00

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.

2011-04-20T02:21:00.000-04:00

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

2011-04-20T01:44:00.004-04:00

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.

2011-04-19T00:06:00.002-04:00

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. .

Socks4Life $20 Gift Card Giveaway!

2011-03-29T02:16:00.003-04:00

Does the sock eating monster visit your house? It does ours. I have a bag I keep all our mismatched socks in that I occasionally go through to hopefully find mates. With four "big" people in our home, I'm constantly on the lookout for socks that are economical, comfortable, yet also fashionable. I was happy to be introduced to the online shop Socks4Life.

I received 3 pairs of men's "diabetic" quarter socks to try. I was mainly interested in these for my older brother who is ALWAYS on the lookout for men's socks that are loose in the calf. He and I have both looked in stores and online and never found any that fit the bill. I can't wait to show him these. I had my husband try on one pair and he said they are VERY comfortable. The foot part of the sock is normal, but the upper part on the calf is loosely woven and less tight on the calf than traditional socks. These also come in other colors and lengths.

I was also sent a three pack of women's socks to try. I selected the women's bamboo socks and I'm happy I did!    These are SO cute and comfortable.   My daughter was home from college when they came and quickly pounced on these.    She said they were so soft and very breathable (yes, she really said breathable) but sadly they never made it to my feet.   These come in many different color combos that all include one striped sock and two solids.

The site has a wide variety of socks to choose from and includes socks for the little munchkins and athletic socks too.   If the man in your life is fashion challenged, you might also have him read the page called, Choosing the Correct Color of Dress Socks.

WIN IT!!!
Luckily the lovely Terryl from Socks4Life has offered to give one of my readers an online gift certificate for $20.   With their reasonable prices, that should get you several packages of socks for you and your family!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Socks4Life and tell me something you'd like to buy if you're the winner.    Please use the specific name and do NOT say any of the items I reviewed.

Extra Entries:

1) Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
2) Subscribe to my feed
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.
5) Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
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) Join Nomorerack (it's a daily deal site).    No fee and no purchase necessary. (3 credits so leave 3 comments)

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed.. April 6th at 10PM EST.   Must be 18 or older to enter and must reside in the US or Canada. 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 Socks4Life.

Disclosure:   I received socks 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. .

UPrinting Post Cards Giveaway.

2011-03-29T02:10:00.003-04:00

When UPrinting offered me the opportunity to give away postcards to one of my readers I had to stop for a minute and try to figure out exactly what I'd do with postcards. Luckily their site has some great ideas. Here's some info from their site about them:

Both standard and folded postcards are ideal for personal and business use. These can serve as appointment cards, RSVP and save the date cards, holiday postcards, new address cards, invitations, and custom thank you cards. Mail simple notes or short messages with standard postcards or express your thoughts using bigger graphics and more text printed on folded cards. Our custom postcard printing lets you design your own cards that best suit your needs, whether you want to extend well wishes to your clients or send out holiday greetings to your relatives and friends.

For more information about postcards, please visit http://www.uprinting.com/postcards.html.

Prize Details:

100 Postcards for One (1) Winner

5” x 7” 14pt Cardstock Gloss

2 Business Days Turnaround; Front Only printing

Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Tell me one use you could have for postcards.

OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

"Like Uprinting on Facebook
Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
Subscribe to my feed
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)
Enter any other open giveaway. (Listed on upper left sidebar)
Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
Join swagbucks through the link HERE and get 5 extra entries 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.
Join Nomorerack (it's a daily deal site). No fee to join and no purchase necessary. (Worth 3 entries so leave 3 comments)

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Thurs. March 31st at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I may receive postcards for hosting.

Bonus Swagbucks (Total of 80) and a Chance to Help Japan!

2011-03-29T01:48:00.000-04:00

I know I've written several times before about swagbucks and my love for it! By doing a few simple activities per day, such as using it to search, I earn $25 per month in Amazon gift cards plus other items! I'm saving all mine this year so I'll have $300 at Christmas to spend at Amazon. It will certainly help with the bills then.

If you're not familiar with swagbucks and would like to learn more about it I have written before in more detail about it. To read more about swagbucks and how it works, you can read my previous swagbucks posts HERE and HERE. But remember to use the code HelpJapan as it is the current extra swagbucks code. You can click on the swagbucks banner at the top to join!

Currently swagbucks is encouraging their members to donate a few of their swagbucks to help the victims of Japan. They've also released a special code that gives new members an extra 50 swagbucks when they join. So if you join through the banner at the top of the page and enter the code HelpJapan during registration you can earn 50 additional Swag Bucks. This code is active now and expires at 11am PDT on Friday, April 8th. There is no obligation to donate for either new or old members, and you can still use the code when you join, even if you do not donate. You'll start with a total of 80 swagbucks! Well on your way to your first Amazon gift card.

Ready to join? Click on the banner at the top, place the code in the box, and you're on your way.

Ready for your Taste Drive?

2011-03-28T21:49:00.005-04:00

Free Sample Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats Touch of Fruit Cereal

Are you a Vocal point member? They often give samples for their members to try and this is the current one. So if you're not a member, go join now!

Get a taste of the latest in fully loaded flavor efficiency. Just grab a bowl and hold onto your spoon, because this breakfast cereal will put you in the fast lane to fruit flavor! Sign up to taste drive a sample at Touch of Fruit.

Biotrue Contact Lens Solution Review and Coupon

2011-03-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

Bausch and Lomb, who have been trusted makers of contact lens products for years, have come out with a new product called Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution. I was sent a sample bottle to try and can say my family is very pleased with it. I gave it to my daughter and she tried it and said it was comfortable and there was no burning or stinging from the solution.

Some information off their site:

Biotrue is inspired by the biology of your eyes™. It goes beyond cleaning by being the only solution to bring together three bio-inspired innovations:

Has a lubricant found naturally in your eyes
Matches the pH of healthy tears
Keeps certain beneficial tear proteins active

Biotrue works like your eyes to provide you with the health and comfort your eyes deserve, helping to make lens wear easier on your eyes.

The Biotrue site has a coupon for $1.00 off a bottle

so give it a try!!

Pear Tree Personalized Thank You Cards Giveaway and Graduation Products Review

2011-03-12T01:39:00.000-05:00

Once again this month, I'm able to review some of the products from Pear Tree Greetings and offer a giveaway to my readers. This month's giveaway will be 16 Thank You Cards of your choice. More about that below.

This month I'm reviewing their graduation products. With a graduating senior this year, this is a timely subject for me. There's SO much to do if you've not been through the process before. In addition to getting senior pictures taken, and planning a graduation open house, there are invitations, announcements, and thank you notes to purchase and mail. Pear Tree can come to the rescue with your needs!

I received some samples of cards to view and one of them was this Folding Accordion Card. I loved it because it was so unique and you can include so many possibilities of photos. Imagine it with a baby photo, a graduation from kindergarten photo, a middle school pic and a few images from your senior photos. Oh yeah....and there are photos on both sides! Love this!

Or how about these double sided cards. Don't forget you can also get the cards for preschool, kindergarten, or any other graduation need.

They have an assortment of products from traditional, die cut or Photo Graduation Announcements or Invitations, Address Labels, and Graduation Thank Yous. On many of them you can customize the colors to match your school colors or coordinate your invitations with your address labels.

While you're there, check out the Pear Tree Blog for helpful information about planning for the big day and even getting your child to write thank yous!!

If you're wanting to make a purchase check out the Promo Code Page for discounts.

WIN IT!!!   Pear Tree Greetings is offering one of my readers a set of 16 Thank You Cards of your choosing. This particular one is just shown as an example. You can pick any from the site--graduation, baby, wedding, or all occasion. You can also have them personalized, including with photos if you choose.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me of an upcoming occasion you will need thank you cards for and who you might send them to.

Extra Entries:

1) Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
2) Subscribe to my feed
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)   Blog about this on your own blog with a link here and to Pear Tree Greetings. (5 entries so leave 5 comments)
5) Enter any other open giveaway.
6) Like Pear Tree Greetings on facebook
7) Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
8) 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.
9) Go to Pear Tree Greetings and pick out a thank you card you might pick if you're the winner.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed.. March 23rd 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 Pear Tree Greetings.

Disclosure:   I have not been compensated in any way for this review. My review is my own and my honest opinion.

Preparing My Son for College

2011-03-03T11:44:00.001-05:00

As we're nearing the end of my son's senior year in high school, we're frantically trying to tie up all the loose ends of getting ready. It's always a whirlwind of activity from visiting colleges, filling out applications, getting letters of recommendation, trying to frantically battle "senioritis" to keep the grades up and preparing and taking the SAT. We helped my son with his SAT score through SAT tutoring last summer. I do think that's helpful as many colleges base their admissions and scholarships on a combination of GPA and SAT scores. Luckily my son was able to have a high enough score on both to receive some scholarship money that will certainly help with his tuition. Just this last week he finally accepted one of his colleges, and will be proudly attending his mother's alma mater, Indiana University.

So congrats to him and GO IU!!!

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post.

Children's Book Review With Giveaway! "IN THE WILD"

2011-02-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

The third book I was allowed to review for Candlewick Press during their preparation for the poetry month of April, is "In the Wild". This is another large hardcover book by David Elliott and illustrated by Holly Meade. This impressive book explores animals in the wild and has a short poem about each.

One of my favorites is about the jaguar.

The Jaguar's back is flowering

with delicate rosettes,

as if she's grown a garden there,

so beautiful, and yet

there's danger in the jaguar's gait,

a soundless step that warns:

Beware of jungle raised bouquets.

Beware those hidden thorns.

I also love the somewhat melancholy verses of the one on the buffalo.

In burning sun,

in blinding snow,

there stands the mighty Buffalo.

His temper short,

his suffering long--

once was sixty-million strong.

In burning sun,

in blinding snow,

behold! The mighty buffalo!

The book is recommended for ages preschool through grade 2 which seems about right to me.    It's also a large hardback book with 32 pages and 10 1/4" X 11 7/16".   This would make a great gift book for any children you know who are fascinated with animals (I don't think I've ever met any who weren't!!) or also useful to stimulate further reading in more depth about any of the individual animals.

You can read more about this book, or the other two Candlewick books I've reviewed at their site, Candlewick Press.   The book can be purchased at most bookstores or at Amazon.com In the Wild.

I'm also able to offer one of my lucky reader the opportunity to win this book!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Read one of the reviews I did for the other Candlewick Press books (links below) and leave a comment on that review.    Then come back here and let me know.    You should read them anyway! They're about great books.   I especially loved the "Switching on the Moon" book.    If you read and comment on both reviews, you can get TWO entries so leave TWO comments.
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems
A Primer About the Flag

EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
Subscribe to my feed
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)
Enter any other open giveaway. (Listed on upper left sidebar)
Go to Candlewick Press's site and name another book you'd love.
Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
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.

RULES:

Giveaway begins now and ends Wed. March 16th at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclosure: I was sent the books for the purpose of review. I received no other compensation and my review is my own and my honest opinion.

Children's Book Review: A Primer about the Flag

2011-02-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

A Primer About the Flag

What is a flag? Noted poet Marvin Bell and award-winning illustrator Chris Raschka offer a whimsical investigation.

In "A Primer About the Flag", children get to explore the different kinds of flags and what they're used for--such as cemetery flags, parade flags, maritime alphabets or flags on the moon. The book is one short poem and each page contains a few of the words and is accompanied with colorful illustrations showing the different sort of flags. At the end of the book is the poem in it's entirety.

This hardcover book is 32 pages long and 11.4 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches. This would be a great addition to your library if you have children interested in flags or as a prompt for kids to make their own flags. It could be a combined activity of reading the book and then doing a flag as a craft. A great way to spend a cold winter afternoon!!

This book can be found at most bookstores or through amazon A Primer About the Flag.

Chilren's Book Review: Switching on the Moon

2011-02-28T14:39:00.002-05:00

Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems

I received this book of children's bedtime poems to review and must say it certainly is a beautiful book....both visually and in content. The poems are lyrical and an easy introduction to poetry and rhyming for children and the illustrations are gorgeous!

It's divided into three sections, "Going to Bed", "Sweet Dreams", and "In the Night" and contains some of the old classic rhymes you probably remember from your own childhood as well as works by Lord Alfred Tennyson, Jane Yolen, and Sylvia Plath among others.

One of my favorites is "Bath Time Pirate", maybe because my son always loved pirates. I wish I could show you the picture of the boy dressed like a pirate in the bathtub!

My name is Captain Soapsuds-

A mighty ship I sail.

I love to feel the sea mist

And hear the cold wind wail.

I count my bags of treasure.

I make men walk the plank.

I wish I had more fingers

To count the ships I sank.

When big sea serpents see me,

It merely makes me shrug.

I'm Captain Suds the pirate,

Till Mommy pulls the plug.

--Robert Scotellaro

Or for those of you not obsessed with pirates and looking for something a bit sweeter, there is "Stars with Wings".

Sometimes it seems

like all the stars

have fallen

from the skies.

but when I see

the stars have wings

I know they're fireflies.

-Betsy Franco

This lovely book is recommended for the 4-8 year old crowd, but I can see children both younger or older still enjoying it. The book is 96 pages long, but don't let that intimidate you if you're reading to the younger crowd. Each poem is only one or two pages long so can be read quickly.

It's not easy to tell from the photo, but the books is impressive in size also. It's11.4 x 10.4 x 0.7 inches in hardback. This would make a great gift to your own children to encourage them to go to bed, or to give as a gift. I LOVE to give books and my children love to receive them. Reading high quality books is one of the best gifts we can give our children.

You can purchase the book at most bookstores or through amazon Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems.

Today is Swagbucks Birthday!

2011-02-28T13:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Swagbucks!!

Today they'll be releasing 5 codes worth a total of 127 swagbucks! They're already on their second code for the day, so start checking! Don't worry if you've missed the first two. There is still almost 100 swagbucks to give out today in ADDITION to those you normally earn through searching, games, etc.

If you still haven't joined swagbucks or wonder what the heck I'm talking about, go read this post. If you sign up through midnight today, you'll still earn an EXTRA 50 swagbucks when you join, for a total of 80!

Can you tell I love swagbucks?!?

Social Deal Map Review PLUS $25 Restaurant.com Giveaway!

2011-02-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about Social Deal Map?   I had not until I was given the opportunity to talk about it and offer one of my readers a $25 Restaurants.com for checking it out.    I know for me personally, it's a WONDERFUL new tool I can use.    I belong to so many of the daily deal sites--Groupon, Eversave, LivingSocial, etc.    It's sometimes a chore to keep up with what everyone is featuring for that day.   And I certainly don't want to miss any great bargains out there!

So it's Social Deal Map to the rescue!   You can use their site and it will take you to your local page and show you ALL the deals available from all of those sites, plus it even shows you a picture of your area with flags to show where the deals are geographically located.   Brilliant!!   I just wish I had been to person to think of this.

As a thank you for checking out their site, they're also offering one of my readers a $25 Gift Card to Restaurants.com.    If you're not familiar with it, it's a site with deals for restaurants in your area where you can buy discounted vouchers for great prices!   The vouchers are usually quite inexpensive also, so you should be able to enjoy several meals with your $25 e-gift card.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Social Deal Map and tell me one deal available in your area today.

OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

"Like" Social Deal Map on Facebook and write a comment on one of the deals.
Follow Social Deal Map on Twitter and retweet one of the deals.
Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
Subscribe to my feed
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)
Enter any other open giveaway. (Listed on upper left sidebar)
Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in every giveaway I have through Feb. 28th. 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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Wed. March 9th at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclosure: I will be receiving product from the sponsor for the purpose of review. I received no other compensation and my review is my own and my honest opinion.

3 Movie Rentals at Redbox for Only $1

2011-02-27T17:45:00.000-05:00

Groupon is offering a nationwide online deal to get 3 free movie codes from Redbox for only $1. The codes do NOT have to be used all at once, as you will receive 3 different codes to use. Just click on the photo below and look for the deal. It will either be listed as your city's deal or will be at the top of the page. If you're not already a Groupon member, then you can sign up for free while you're there. You don't want to miss all the great deals they have!

The Fine Print

Expires Jun 1, 2011
Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. May redeem across visits. Tax included.

Highlights

Three one-night DVD rentals
Includes Oscar-nominated movies
More than 26,000 kiosks
Rent & return at any location

Happy viewing!!

Free Country Bob's Sauce

2011-02-27T17:20:00.002-05:00

Remember my review and giveaway of Country Bob's a few weeks ago? If not, you can go HERE to read the marvelous words that flow from my fingers LOL.

Well now everyone can get a free bottle by signing up for their email list. Just fill out the simple form and a coupon for a free bottle will be on it's way to you! Enjoy!!!!

One Year Subscription to Working Mother Magazine for only $5 (or $3)

2011-02-27T16:23:00.002-05:00

Snag an unbeatable low price on your favorite light reading with a one-year subscription to Working Mother for only $5
Offer expires: 11:59 PM - Mar 01, 2011.

Click on the banner below. If you're a new subscriber to Eversave you'll also get a $2 credit to start which will lower the price to only $3!!

Working Mother

Today's Save:Snag an unbeatable low price on your favorite light reading with a one-year subscription to Working Mother

Expires 11:59 PM - Mar 01, 2011

Extra 50 Swagbucks if You Join Now!

2011-02-21T03:08:00.007-05:00

Swagbucks is celebrating it's 3rd birthday!

If you've not heard me rave about swagbucks, then you've not been listening to me.    I joined less than a year ago, and I've earned $25 in Amazon gift certificates EVERY MONTH since then, and I've also earned several other items such as itunes gift cards, mechanical pencils, paypal money, etc.

In case you don't know what Swagbucks is, it's basically a search engine that is powered by Google and Ask.com.    When you use it to do your routine searches it earns you reward points, known as Swagbucks.    You can also earn swagbucks shopping through some of their links, playing games (a few I'm already addicted to!!), watching swag TV (they've added some really fun food videos), finding codes, completing surveys, etc.

You then accumulate these to exchange for gift cards or a wide variety of prizes and free stuff! The most popular reward is the $5 Amazon gift cards, and I've earned 5 of those per month since April.    So if you're good at multiplication you can see I'm earning a FREE $300 of Amazon gift cards per year.    I used my credit to buy quite a few of my Christmas gifts this year.   I've also gotten additional prizes like other gift cards such as itunes, actual merchandise, and even money deposited into my paypal account.

Well periodically they give some of us "special" swaggers a "secret" code to give to people who are lucky enough to know us and join as our referrals. Well this is one of those times, and this time we have a heck of a bonus! Swagbucks is celebrating it's 3rd birthday on Feb. 28th, so from 6AM Feb. 21st until Feb. 28th at midnight EST, everyone who joins under me gets an EXTRA 50 SWAGBUCKS! You already get 30 for joining, so with this bonus, you'll start with a total of 80 swagbucks! Simply swagtastic! (Yes, we have our own secret lingo).

Ready to check it out and maybe join?

If you'd like to join or just check it out, then click on the swagbucks banner below. In the blue box that says swag code, enter the code 3rdBirthday123 The codes are case sensitive and make sure there are no spaces before or after the code. **A word of warning**. The last time a special code was given out, there were people who were NOT sent the code in an email that were asking people to sign up and sharing the code. Swagbucks has clarified this time that that is NOT to happen. ONLY the people who received the code via email can pass it out to their referrals. So if you have an Aunt Susie that wants you to join through them, you certainly can, but you CANNOT use the code 3rdBirthday123 and get the extra 50 swagbucks. Swagbucks is very quick to deactivate people they find cheating, and using a code improperly is considered cheating. Swagbucks was very clear on that in the emails they've sent out this time.

As a special bonus for joining under me, you can earn 5 extra entries into any giveaway you enter before Feb. 28th. So get to swagging!

$20 to Spend for Your Stationary Needs!

2011-02-21T02:06:00.003-05:00

Save the Date cards

As a Pearista I'm once again able to let you in on some of the great products Pear Tree Greetings offers and to let one of my readers win a gift certificate to purchase your choice of item(s) on their site. This month they're showing wedding items for all those people doing wedding planning for this coming summer!

Save the Date magnets

I think a great bonus is that they offer great posts to read on the Pear Tree Greetings blog for Save the Date Etiquette and Wedding Planning.

Or if you're like me, you're more interested in the graduation announcements, invitations, and thank yous. But whatever you're looking for, Pear Tree has lots of options to choose from.

Buy It: Check out Pear Tree Greetings for all your stationery needs. If you don't want to wait to see if you've won, or you need other cards, then you can shop Pear Tree. Make sure to check out their promo code page for discounts when you shop.

Check them out on Twitter or Facebook.

Win It: Pear Tree Greetings has been generous and offered one of my readers a $20 e-certificate to select whatever they like or need from the site.

Mandatory Entry:    Go to Pear Tree Greetings and pick out something you might buy with your gift certificate.

Extra Entries:

1) Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
2) Subscribe to my feed
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)   Blog about this on your own blog with a link here and to Pear Tree Greetings. (5 entries so leave 5 comments)
5) Enter any other open giveaway.
6) Like Pear Tree Greetings on facebook
7) Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
8) Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in this giveaway and EVERY giveaway you enter through Feb 28. 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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Thurs. March 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 Pear Tree Greetings.

Disclosure:   I have not been compensated in any way for this review. My review is my own and my honest opinion.

How Do You Use Business Cards? 250 Die-Cut Business Cards Giveaway

2011-02-18T22:51:00.002-05:00

I think business cards are such a handy thing to keep around. You can hand them out to business acquaintances, people you meet or to promote your blog or craft business. You can include as much or as little as you want on them and hand them to family and friends so they have an easy to check place for your email address, mailing address, or phone numbers. You can even get "Mommy" cards that just includes basic information to hand to other moms when you're arranging play dates or to hand to coaches, etc. Or put them in your planner or books so if people find them they can contact you. So many uses.

Well I get the chance to give one of my lucky winners 250 Die-Cut Business cards. Check out these business cards from online printing company UPrinting.

Giveaway Prize:

250 Die-Cut Business Cards for One (1) Winner
1.75” x 3.5”, 2” x 3.5”, or 2” x 2”; 2.5” Diameter (Circle)
14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
Front Only or Front and Back printing
Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit UPrinting to see more information about the die cut cards and tell me something about the cards you'd order. What shape, or what you'd put on them, or glossy vs. matte. Or just tell me a creative use for them that I didn't mention.

OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

"Like Uprinting on Facebook
Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
Subscribe to my feed
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)
Enter any other open giveaway. (Listed on upper left sidebar)
Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in every giveaway I have through Feb. 28th. 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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Thurs. Feb. 24th at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclosure: I will be receiving product from the sponsor for the purpose of review. I received no other compensation and my review is my own and my honest opinion.

Only $20 for a $40 worth of Flowers, Gifts, and More!

2011-02-09T02:32:00.001-05:00

Groupon is at it again! Today, and for the next three days, they're offering $40 worth of flowers, gifts, and more from FTD for only $20. Click on the Groupon banner below to check it out!

Check out just a few examples or what you could send with your $40 credit that only costs you $20. Send someone this potted rose.

Or this sweetheart bouquet.

Or if your sweetie has a sweet tooth, how about this Strawberry Decadence? This might be perfect to send to my college daughter who loves strawberries!

Lots of items to choose from. So happy shopping!

FREE Activities for Kids!

2011-02-05T02:00:00.006-05:00

Several places are offering free items for the kiddos. With the horrible winter weather and everyone experiencing cabin fever, it's great to look for things to keep them busy.

First is the Home Depot activity where you can make a Valentine Heart shelf. Wouldn't this be cute in a little girls room? Daddy could help his little Valentine with this! This is Saturday Feb 5th from 9AM-12NN. I'd check with your own store first to make sure this activity will be available, but it's supposed to be nationwide.

Michael's is also offering an activity. Available Sun. Feb. 6th 1PM-3PM, The Knack Family Event--Decorate a Valentine's Day Box Make-It Take-It.

Note you do have to purchase the white craft box. Share some love with this cute craft idea. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome.

Get some free veggie seeds (looks like carrots) and gardening gloves for your budding gardener so they can start their own veggies indoors before the planting season. Buy two Annie's food items and fill out an online form with the UPC numbers. There's a list of stores that carry their products on the Annie's Homegrown site. For me, their products are available at Meijer stores and Wal-Mart Supercenters.

And last, on Amazon, there are multiple episodes of Sesame Street, and even entire series, that you can download for FREE with video on demand. One is a complete series called "Sesame Street From Around the World" where children can learn about other countries. You can do individual countries or click on the button that says "Get the entire season with 1 click".

They also have "Learn Along with Sesame Street".

Skintactix Acne Treatment Review and GIveaway

2011-02-03T16:36:00.001-05:00

I have two teens who both suffer acne off and on.    My teen son in particular had horrible acne during football season on his forehead and the sides of his face, probably aggravated by his football helmet.   No matter what we tried or how often he cleaned and treated it, it just didn't seem to improve.   I know it was frustrating and embarrassing for him as he's in his girl obsessed phase and couldn't exactly charm the "sexy" ladies with glaring red bumps on his forehead.

So when I was offered the chance to try Skintactix products for acne I jumped at the opportunity.    I wasn't too sure what to expect and honestly didn't have particularly high hopes.    After all, we'd tried lots of things already and this was a product I'd never even heard of. But I wanted my son to try the "Clean Skin Challenge".

The site allows you to pick and choose from the various products by helping you diagnose what particular kind of acne or skin irritation you have as well as how oily your skin is.    It was fairly easy to eliminate those that didn't seem to apply to my son by the pictures and descriptions.    So I requested the appropriate material which arrived quickly.

We tried Acne Kit A1:

For Normal, Combination or Oily Skin (Antibacterial Cleanser, Glycolic Exfoliator, Green Tea Poultice)

The enclosed materials said that the acne could get worse for the first two weeks which made my son hesitant to try it.    The last thing he wanted was worse skin!    But being a trooper he started the program by doing the three steps each morning and night.

And WOW...IS...All...I...CAN...SAY!   It really worked.    Seriously!    I wouldn't lie to you.    His skin personally never got worse.    Just one night I looked at him and said "I can't believe how good your skin looks".    The miraculous thing is that he had many reddened areas on his forehead where acne had been but was no longer there.    If you rubbed them they were smooth and weren't currently inflamed, but the skin had remained red even after the zits were gone.    But those are now almost completely gone too!   I certainly wasn't expecting that.

I wish my son had let me do before and after photos as you wouldn't believe the difference a few weeks could make.    But I can't really blame him for not wanting his mother to post photos of his nasty bumps and red spots all over the internet for people to see.

Now for the good news! Skintactix is letting me give away a free sample kit of their products to one lucky winner. It may not be exactly like the one shown here as they will individualize it for you own skin type and problem. I assume it will be like the one I received which is at least a month's supply and certainly long enough for you to see results.

MANDATORY ENTRY:
Go to Skintactix and find out what skin problem you have and then tell me what kind of kit you'd want from the ones on this list. You'll have to do that anyway if you win so they can individualize the kit to you.

EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
Subscribe to my feed
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)
Enter any other open giveaway. (Listed on upper left sidebar)
Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Thurs. Feb. 17th at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclosure: I was sent products from Skintactix for the purpose of review. I received no other compensation and my review is my own and my honest opinion.

$10 for a $20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card

2011-02-03T15:56:00.004-05:00

Groupon is offering a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card for only $10. This is a nationwide deal, but today it can only be accessed through certain links to Groupon. It is good for online and offline (in-store) purchases as well as for purchases made with their Nook e-reader. It's good for toys, games and books. Click on the Groupon image to get this great deal or to find out more! It says there is a limited quantity available and it's good through Sunday I believe or until they've sold the limit. I love to put books in my kids Easter baskets. Happy reading!!

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce Review and Giveaway 2 Winners

2011-02-03T02:54:00.001-05:00

Have you ever tried Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce? I'm not the sort that typically used any sauce on my steaks, but I first tried it after I won a free bottle and I have to say that all the members of my family loved it on steaks and burgers. I'm sure if you try it you'll love it too!

I recently made steaks for dinner and we each put a bit of the Country Bob's on which really accented the flavors but didn't overpower them. I also love it on burgers. There are many recipes on their site and in their blog where you can use it in all sorts of dishes. People rave about it in meatloaf, and since I LOVE meatloaf, I'm going to try that next.

They also have other products including Spicy All Purpose Sauce, Apple Chipotle All Purpose Sauce, Honey Habanero All Purpose Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, and Seasoning Salt.     My son would love the Spicy All Purpose I'm sure since he loves anything that makes flames shoot out his mouth.     I personally would love to try the Honey Hababero and Seasoning Salt next!!

The good news for you is that Country Bob's has offered to give *2* of my readers two bottles EACH of the All Purpose Sauce.    I'm sure they realize that once people try it, they're hooked!

MANDATORY ENTRY:
Go to the Country Bob's homepage and find a recipe in the "Cooking with Ken" , the "Blog" or "Recipe" tabs that looks good to you and come back and tell me about it!

EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
Subscribe to my feed
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)
Enter any other open giveaway. (Listed on upper left sidebar)
Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
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.

RULES:
Giveaway begins now and ends Thurs. Feb. 17th at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclosure: I was sent products from Country Bob's for the purpose of review. I received no other compensation and my review is my own and my honest opinion.

Free Panda Express Thurs. Feb 3rd Only!

2011-02-03T01:57:00.000-05:00

My husband and son LOVE Panda Express, and my son loves spicy, so Thurs. evening I'll send him with a coupon to Panda Express to get a FREE Firecracker Chicken Breast entree. Click on the link and make a copy of the coupon and take it to Panda Express. Enjoy!!

Get a Free Cup of Yoplait Yogurt

2011-01-31T20:52:00.000-05:00

Yoplait is having a facebook promotion where they're giving away ONE MILLION cups of Yoplait yogurt. All you have to do is like them on facebook. So go get your free cup of Yoplait yogurt.

Lifetime's "Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story" Showing Tonight

2011-01-31T16:47:00.000-05:00

What would you do if your child was taken from you? Would you sit idly by, or attempt everything in your power to get them back? That's the premise of this movie based on a true story.

I was allowed to preview the Lifetime movie "Taken From Me:   The Tiffany Rubin Story".    It will show on Lifetime tonight at 9PM.   Following the movie at 11PM the hour long documentary "Beyond the Headlines: The Tiffany Rubin Story" will show interviews with the real people involved in this ordeal.

The story is the true life story of Tiffany Rubin who had her 6 year old son Kobe taken by the child's biological father without her permission.    He took him from his home in Queens, NY, to Seoul, South Korea. Tiffany tries to go through the traditional channels to find her son and bring him home, but runs into brick walls everywhere she turns.

Tiffany eventually finds Mark Miller,who runs the charitable organization The American Association for Lost Children, and he is willing to help her. Tiffany and Mark travel to South Korea and eventually find her son which results in a dramatic and dangerous rescue.

Tiffany is portrayed by Taraji P. Henson who has previously appeared in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and Mark Miller is portrayed by Terry O'Quinn, who expertly played John Locke in "Lost".

If you enjoy watching true stories, you'll want to watch this movie. It kept my attention, although it did at some times seem repetitious in parts.    I'm anxious to watch the documentary tonight where the real life characters will speak and tell the story in their owns words.

Children's Workbooks 4 for only $4.20 with Free Shipping

2011-01-28T15:34:00.000-05:00

Amazon has preschool workbooks on sale, PLUS if you buy 3 you get the 4th for FREE. So doing the math, you can get $11.96 worth of books for only $4.20 which is almost 66% off. Great deal for snowed in winter days or to save to refresh your little brainiac this summer! Here are just a few of the choices. Click on any picture or link to check it out! Remember to sign up for a Free Parent/Caregiver account for free shipping.

Preschool Basics

Dot-to-Dot Numbers Activity Zone (Ages 4-6)

Mazes Animals Activity Zone (Ages4-6)

Lowercase Alphabet (Get Ready Books)

Uppercase Alphabet (Get Ready Books)

Counting 1-10 (Get Ready Books)

$30 Voucher for Bath and Body Works only $15

2011-01-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

Groupon is once again offering this online Bath & Body Words Deal where you can get $30 worth of products for only $15. This is a great time to hop on this deal, since they still have a lot of items clearanced out for 50-75% off. They're also running some current deals on antibacterial hand soaps (I love those things!) and their signature collection line. So combine the Groupon deal with their online sales and you can get loads of yummy products for only $15!!!

Here's just one of the cute items they currently have on sale. They're great to keep in your purse or a diaper bag.

Anti-Bacterial
Pocketbac™ Deep Cleansing Hand Gel
Comet's Ginger Mint
$1.50
Now: $0.38

Highlights

More than 35 exclusive body care fragrances
Home fragrance & candles
Good for any online purchase
Thoughtful gift idea

Expires Apr 27, 2011
Limit 1 per person. Limit 1 per order.
Online only.
Tax and shipping not included.

Cosmo and Marie Claire Subscriptions only $5 each, Plus enter to win daily freebies!

2011-01-27T15:28:00.003-05:00

Are you an avid reader of either Cosmo or Marie Claire?   Have you read them in the past but no longer do? They currently are allowing me to offer you a subscription to those magazines for only $5, which is discounted 90% off the newsstand price. Maybe it's time to renew that lapsed subscription or give it a try for the first time with this great deal.

Advice on relationships and romance, the best in fashion and beauty, the latest on women's health and well-being, the inside scoop on pop culture and entertainment, fun quizzes, sweepstakes and exclusive offers - Cosmopolitan has everything hip, adventurous women want. Visit cosmopolitan.com to learn more, check out highlights from this month's issue as well as other exciting features.

Subscribe to Cosmo and Marie Claire by clicking on the link.

They also offer a daily freebie giveaway that you can enter through the link.    It changes every day, but today's is a gift set of blush, lip tint, and eye shadow.   Make sure if you're already subscribed or don't wish to subscribe that you click where it says no purchase is necessary.

Disclaimer:    I received no form of monetary compensation for this post, but as a member of bzzagent I will receive bzzpoints.

Gorton's Seafood Giveaway 5 Winners and XBOX 360 with Kinect Facebook Giveaway

2011-01-25T12:40:00.002-05:00

Gorton's Seafood is being very generous this month and that's good news for those of us who love fish. They're allowing me to giveaway free product coupons to 5 lucky winners plus they're having a facebook promotion with LOTS of giveaways, including an XBOX 360 with Kinect!

I love to keep their products readily available in my freezer for quick, healthy meals any time. The variety of fish runs from the traditional kid friendly fish sticks, to battered fillets, to healthy grilled choices. I know with the new year, we're all looking for healthy choices to prepare for our family. Look how yummy this tilapia looks! It can be prepared as is or made into tacos as shown here.

Or how about some grilled shrimp? Doesn't this look good?

Or use it to make some grilled shrimp tostadas.

They're running an amazing facebook promotion where you can win free products or an XBOX 360 Console with Kinect.

Their facebook promotion ends Jan. 31st, so hurry over to win!!

Here's the details (US residents only, please):

There's GOOD STUFF being given away over at Gorton's Facebook fan page.

One thousand (1000) FREE grilled product coupons will be given out in four (4) Drawings of two-hundred fifty coupons (250) on: January 10, 2011; January 17, 2011; January 24, 2011; January 31, 2011. One (1) Grand Prize: Xbox 360 Console with Kinect (Retail Value $300.00) to be drawn on January 31, 2011.

Now onward to my blog giveaway. Gorton's is letting me giveaway two product coupons to EACH of 5 winners! You can enter by doing the mandatory entry, then any of the optional entries if you want more chances.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Do tell... which recipe is your favorite Gorton's recipe? http://www.gortons.com/recipes.htm

EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

1. Go to http://www.gortons.com and sign up for a fun e-newsletter!

2. "Like" Gorton's on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/gortonsseafood

3. Tell Gorton's who sent you with a Facebook Wall comment! http://www.facebook.com/gortonsseafood

4. "Follow" Gorton's on Twitter and tweet about the January Grilled Giveaway! http://twitter.com/#!/gortonsseafood [Get This... Gorton's Just Got on Twitter! Way!]

5. Follow me on GFC (2 entries so leave 2 comments)
6. Subscribe to my feed
7. 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)
8. Enter any other open giveaway.
9. Read my post about swagbucks HERE and leave a comment on it. Come back to let me know on this post
10. Join swagbucks through the referral link on this post and get 5 extra entries in this giveaway and EVERY giveaway I start in January. 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.

RULES:

Giveaway begins now and ends Thurs. Feb. 3rd at 10PM EST. Must be 18 or older to enter and must reside in the US. (Sorry....Gorton products are not available currently in Canada). Winners will be selected with random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond by within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected. Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.

Disclosure: I am being sent a Gorton's review package. I received no other compensation and my review is my own and my honest opinion.

When My Daddy Used to Sing to Me

2011-01-24T20:11:00.002-05:00

Today's my birthday.    I'm lucky that I have a husband who takes me out to dinner, brings me flowers, and buys me gifts and cards.    My children are also considerate and are especially thoughtful on my birthday, but the last few years just aren't the same.

After I was an adult and living away from home my father would always call me on my birthday and joyously sing Happy Birthday to me in his beautiful booming bass voice.    He was quite musically gifted as were the other members of his family. I grew up listening to my grandparents, father and uncle playing guitars and singing long into the night.   He was our church choir director and sang bass, or even sometimes tenor, in church quartets.    He could pick out the parts and sing them perfectly without looking at a piece of music or reading the notes.   He is now deceased and music is one of the things that remind me most of him.

For some reason I miss him most on my birthday.    My older brother always calls and sings to me now, and this year my husband even called from work to sing to me.   I know they do it because I've mentioned how I miss my father doing it.    I certainly appreciate their efforts and it is nice to have people to carry on that tradition, but it's just not the same.    I miss when my daddy used to sing to me.

$10 off Coupon for Lowe's

2011-01-23T19:38:00.000-05:00

Lowe's currently has a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon that is good through 1/28. If you have any projects you're planning or need to stock up on some supplies, this would be a good time as they don't have coupons very often. Click here for the coupon.

3 Boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios for only $5.30 and Free Shipping!

2011-01-23T13:49:00.004-05:00

Cheerios Honey Nut Cereal, 12.25-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 3)

Amason is having another great deal where you can buy 3 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios (12.25 oz. each) for only $5.30. It's on sale for $7.56 but you can get an addition 15% off with the code BIGGNYNY which brings the total to $6.43. PLUS you can use subscribe and save which will take an ADDITIONAL 15% off plus gives you free shipping, which then makes it only $5.30 for the 3 boxes. To read about how subscribe and save works, you can read my previous post HERE. Just click on the box or the link under the box above to snag this great deal.

Great Deal on Peppermint Bark, Flavored Coffees, Chocolate Covered Pretzels and More!

2011-01-23T03:06:00.001-05:00

Places are doing their final Christmas clearance and there are some great deals to be had if you're in the market.   Bed Bath and Beyond has a few great deals that include FREE SHIPPING.

I'm getting my husband this peppermint bark for Valentine's Day.    He loves the stuff and there are red crushed peppermints, so that counts doesn't it?

It's described as A beautiful collector's tin makes this sweet treat even more irresistible. Inside you'll find the time-treasured holiday favorite, Peppermint Bark, made with Bartons' unbelievably rich dark chocolate. A creamy white confection is layered on top of the chocolate and finished off with an abundance of real peppermint candy cane crumbles. It's deliciously decadent! It's on sale for only $3.99 which is an amazing price.

I'm thinking I might send these to my college daughter for her and her roommate to munch on while studying late at night. These are $14 on the Asher's site for this one pound box, but only $4.99 here and with the free shipping offer. They're described as a mixture of salty and sweet. Crisp, crunchy pretzels are covered in milk and dark chocolate.

They also have a boxed set of The Twelve Coffees of Christmas described as Each of these twelve packets of fresh ground coffee brews a full 10-12 cup pot. Includes 12 holiday favorites: Almond Amaretto, Breakfast Blend, Butter Pecan, Chocolate Raspberry, Vanilla Nut Creme, Caramel Kiss, Cinn Ful Nut®, Colombian Supremo "Popoyan", Creme Brulee, French Vanilla, Turtle Sundae, and White Russian. A coffee connoisseur's dream come true. It's $4.99 with free shipping and other places online it's about $10 more. So great deal.

They also have some great deals on gingerbread men or houses. I'm not sure how good they'd be next year, but you could also use them just to entertain the kids on a snowy winter day stuck inside the house. This Gingerbread Train Kit for example is only $1.99 with free shipping.

Or this Wilton Gingerbread Cookie Kit is $3.99 with free shipping. To see all these great deals and more with free shipping click this link.