Reviews, Giveaways, and All Things Family!
For those of you that entered the contest, “The Things Kids Say,” voting will be up next week, on the 18th and 19th. If you are chosen as one of the top 5, expect an e-mail from me soon! Sorry about the delay, I’m on vacation and summer has been busier than expected. 
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Red Robin, Etch a Sketch Contest
It’s always fun to enter contests that have a little bit of a twist on them. It makes them more challenging and lets your creative juices really flow. Red Robin is doing just that with their Etch a Sketch Contest. When I think of Red Robin, great burgers automatically comes to mind. Every time I’ve been there, I can’t help but drool over the delicious burgers they have on their menu. Do you love Red Robin too? Well, here is your chance to use your Etch a Sketch, and win a gift card from Red Robin and an Etch a Sketch.
The Contest
The ‘Etch A Sketch A Burger’ contest, which runs through July 25, encourages the young and young-at-heart, ages five and up, to ‘draw’ their favorite Red Robin burger on an Etch A Sketch and then submit a photo of that drawing online at Red Robin. Fifty contest winners will receive a limited edition 50th Anniversary Etch A Sketch and a $50 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers gift card.
“This contest is a celebration of Red Robin and Etch A Sketch’s shared heritage and commitment to families and fun,” said Susan Lintonsmith, Red Robin’s chief marketing officer. “Etch A Sketch A Burger will bring together generations of families as they try to sketch winning burger designs.
Fun Facts About Etch a Sketch
• The Ohio Art Company, the creator of the famous drawing toy, was founded in 1908 to make picture frames and novelty items
• The first Etch A Sketch was created on the Bryan, Ohio factory line on July 12, 1960
• Since 1960, more than 150 million Etch A Sketch toys have been enjoyed by the young and young-at-heart alike
So grab your Etch a Sketch and enter the contest. What are you waiting for?
Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a $10 gift card to Red Robin and an Etch a Sketch
Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)
Additional Entries
Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on July 25th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.
I received a Red Robin gift card and Etch a Sketch to help facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% mine and no other compensation was received.
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Making the Most of your Space
It seems like the longer hubby and I are married, and as we’ve added each of our children to our family, we accumulate more and more stuff. We have one small room for storage in our house now, so we really have to make the most of our space. One thing that I do on a regular basis is switch out the summer and winter clothes. I also box up the boy’s clothes as they grow out of them, and that can take a lot of space as babies and toddlers grow quickly. This is where Space Bag comes in. I remember seeing Space Bag on tv at one point and thinking how cool it was, but I didn’t realize really how great of a product it is until we got to try it out in our own home.
Pros: Space Bags vacuum seal storage bags are great for anyone looking to get the most of their space. The concept is simple and they are really easy to use. You simply get together the items that you want to put in your space bag. On my first attempt, I used 11 winter sweaters, 3 coats, and 2 sweater vests.
I used the space-saver tote, and filled it with my items. After looking at the items that I put into the tote, I could have easily fit another 10 sweaters, a few blankets, or some pillows. As you can see from the bag below, it was really only about half full with everything that I put into it. I honestly would have put more into it, but a lot of our winter stuff is already packed away in storage and I didn’t want to pull out. That will change after next winter, because I will be packing everything in Space Bags to save more space.
The bag has a double lock zipper which is easy to seal and unseal, and protects your items from water damage. These bags are super tough and can be used over and over.
Next, I took my vacuum to the valve in the Space Bag and sucked all of the air out. It only took about 30 seconds and I was impressed with how compact it became. Here is the bag zipped up with everything in it. Pretty impressive.
Here are a few more stats that I found impressive about the Space Bag
One last pro that I wanted to touch on was the price point. A lot of times when I work on reviews, I feel like the price point is one of the main cons. As a mom who likes to save money, the Space Bag is really affordable. For $19.95 plus shipping and handling, you get a 19 bag set, plus the Space-Saver tote that you see in this post. If I were to add up all of the money I’ve spent on plastic totes, I’m sure it would be hundreds of dollars, and it doesn’t even save me space.
Cons: I really am having a hard time finding cons. I imagine I would better be able to see the cons after using the bags for an extended period of time. The bags are supposed to be reusable, so I’m really interested in how they will hold up after being used over and over. After feeling and looking at the material, the plastic seems pretty strong and I don’t think this will be much of an issue.
Clean that Closet Challenge, Contest
Space Bag is currently hosting a Clean That Closet Challenge. The contest, which is launched through Space Savers, encourages anyone with a messy closet in need of a little organization to enter this makeover challenge. The winnings are big, with the first 100 applicants winning Space Bag products and one grand-prize winner receiving a private consultation with a professional organizer, a $1,000 gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond, and enough Space Bag products to organize their entire home! You have until August 15th to enter, so head on over to Space Savers and get your entry in!
Price: $19.95 plus shipping & handling for a 19 bag set.
Where to Buy: Space Bag
The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by the company or PR representative. These views and opinions are 100% my own, and no compensation was received.
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My 4 year old is at that age where he says some of the funniest things. The past few weeks have been no exception. There are a few funny encounters I can think of right off the top of my head:
A few weeks ago when the boys were out playing in their pool, Chandler told me he and his brother were frogs. However, when they got into their pool they would turn back into boys. Here they are in their frog pose.
The other day as I was putting my contacts in and Chandler was watching intently. After a moment he said, “Mom, why you put diamonds in your eyes? I don’t want to have diamonds in my eyes.”
After chuckling to myself, I told him he didn’t have to. Now if only I DID have diamonds that size, I’d be rich.
My last story has to do with driving and happend a week or so ago. One day when getting in the car, Chandler had told his dad he wanted to drive. Hubby told him when he was 16 he could drive. Fast forward a week later: Chandler is buckling up and says,
“Mom, I’m 6 now.”
A bit baffled I say, “6, huh?”
He replies with, “Yep, and that’s almost old enough to drive.”
I feel like I’m not always good about writing down his funny sayings, but I really want to remember them. I’m sure many other moms and dads feel the same way. I also find it humerous what other kids have to say. That’s where you come in!
CONTEST!
Submit the funny things your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or other kids in your life say. You can enter daily to better your chances! Submission will end the 29th of July and 5 of the best comments/stories will be chosen. Only July 30 & 31st, there will be a voting period where you can decide on your favorite. The kids story or quote with the most votes wins! This month, you can enter to win a Scentsy Plugin system. It includes a Scentsy Plugin warmer, and 3 scents of your choice. (ARV $25) So good luck! Enter those funny things your kids say, I’m excited to hear them.
This contest is just for fun, and is sponsored by…..me!
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Imagination
Little kids have amazing imaginations. Over the past 6-8 months, I’m seeing more and more imaginative play from Chandler, and have to laugh at some of the funny and witty stuff he says. Along with their imagination comes the notions of being afraid of the dark, monsters, and more. Fairytale wishes has a fun line of sprays especially for kids. They have sprays ranging from sweet dreams, and monster repellent, to super hero and happy camper.
About Fairytale Wishes Inc
From the Fairytale Wishes Inc website;
All of the products at Fairytale Wishes, Inc. were conceived and developed by Mompreneur, Debbie Glickman. After searching for remedies to get her two young children to overcome common childhood anxieties such as sleeplessness, fear of monsters under the bed, separation issues etc., she developed a line of natural aromatherapy sprays that empower children to overcome these fears. Each bottle comes with a mini fairytale written by the Magic Fairytale Wishes Frog, Freddy, which explains why each particular scent will help them overcome their fear.
Pros: First off, I love mom inspired companies. I always have, and it’s amazing to me what moms are able to come up with. Over the past month, we’ve been trying out the sweet dreams spray. This spray is a lavender scent and is “magic.” It helps chase bad dreams away. It comes in a 4 ounce bottle, and has some glitter in it, which I think gives it that magic appeal.
I like the idea of spraying lavender on my boys pillows at night. Lavender is known to have soothing properties, and I use lavender often to help me wind down and sleep. The product comes in bottle that is easy to spray, and lasts a long time since it only takes a few pumps to chase those dreams away.
One nice touch about this company is the personalization. Chandler’s spray came with a letter, specifically to him. The bottle of spray also has a cute message from Freddy the Frog and is written just for a child.
Cons: While I think the glitter is a cute idea, it can rub off and get on other things. I felt like I’ve been washing Chandler’s pillowcase more often than I was before, and sometimes I notice glitter on his face. I think it would be nice to have the option of buying the spray without the glitter in it. I love using the lavender on his pillow, but I think he would think it was still magic, even without the glitter.
I’m also not sure that I would use this spray with Rowan, although I haven’t tried on his pillow. Because he is an asthmatic, I’m not sure if the glitter or lavender would be irritating to him. I really can’t say since I haven’t tried it on his pillow.
Price: $10.00
Where to Buy: Fairytale Wishes Inc
Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a Fairytale Wishes Inc Spray of their choice
Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)
Additional Entries
Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on July 23rd. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.
The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by the company or PR representative. These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated by this review.
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Last week I wrote about Ronzoni pasta, and how it compared to normal white pasta. Rowan is in this photo contest for Ronzoni and I would love it if you could vote! His picture is the one below. Just click on this link – his is one of the only ones outside and there is lots of grass, so it should be easy to spot! You can vote daily and will be entered to win one of 12 $25 gift cards if you do! Voting ends June 25th at 7:59 ET. Thanks
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review and photo contest entry. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate
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Cooking
Cooking. Cleaning. Does it ever end? Sometimes I feel like it doesn’t and it gets old. I do like to cook and prepare food for my family, it’s just that sometimes I feel like I really need a break. I still like my family to be able to eat lots of fresh foods though, and with Chili’s freshly prepared menu items, we can do just that.
Get It To Go
Most of the time when we go out to eat, one of the boys has a meltdown. Lately it’s been Rowan, and I think it’s just his age. He’s good for about 10 minutes, and then he’s done. So a few days ago, we opted to use the Chili’s online ordering system and got it to go. I must say I love being able to order online. I don’t feel like I was pressured to hurry like I am on the phone, and I can double check my order before I check out.
When we went to pick up our order, hubby only had to wait a few minutes before we were on our way home. Hubby and I shared the Quesadilla Explosion salad and it was plenty for both of us.
We find ourselves sharing a meal more and more when we go out because there is usually so much food to eat, and then we don’t have to box it up. Plus, we have a lot of the same tastes, so it’s not hard to agree on something. The salad was delicious, and I still got some of the carbs that I love with the quesadilla while getting the fresh vegetables and grilled chicken in the salad.
The boys shared chicken crispers and each had a corn on the cob.
There are plenty of great fresh menu items, so head out to Chili’s and check it out for yourself!
Shout Out To Eat Out
Tired of cooking too? Then go enter Chili’s contest “Shout Out To Eat Out.” Upload a short 10 to 30 second video, and you could have a chance to win a $50 Chili’s gift card! Winners are chosen daily through August 30th!
The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by the company or PR representative. I received a Chili’s gift card to facilitate this post. These views and opinions are 100% mine.
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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.
Summer Vacations
Summer is upon us. That means warmer weather, kids out of school, and vacations. We have a vacation coming up in August that I am looking forward to. We are having a family reunion with my parents and siblings at a nice home that we rented on the west coast. It will be super fun, but it’s over a 12 hour drive for us, so I’m sure we will be staying in a hotel coming and going. (A 12 hour car ride with 2 little boys seems near impossible.) A free hotel stay would be awesome, so I’m definitely going to be entering Hampton Inn’s Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes
Chain of Friends Sweepstakes
I’m no stranger to Hampton Inn. I’ve stayed there a dozen times or more over the years and have always been impressed. If you haven’t stayed at one, try it out next time you are on vacation. Right now, you can enter to win an entire hotel for a weekend for your chain of friends. That’s 100 rooms for 2 nights! It’s easy to enter. All you have to do is visit Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes, enter your information and cross your fingers. Don’t worry, you can also enter to win a 1 night stay that they will be giving away daily as well.
So enter, and get your friends to enter, because it’s always fun to travel and spend the weekend with your friends. I know if I won, I would be inviting all of my friends and family and maybe head off to Vegas for the weekend.
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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.
Field Trips
Remember those field trips in elementary in middle school? I sure do. It seems like I would look forward to them forever, and it was always fun to leave school and have a different experience. Those are the experiences that you really learn from and take with you, however some schools are cutting down field trips according to the following statistic:
According to a 2009 report from The American Association of School Administrators, it’s estimated that over the course of the current school year, the number of school districts eliminating field trips will increase by 56 percent. That’s more than 30,000 schools.
Lunchables recognizes the importance of field trips, and wants to help deserving classes go on inspiring and educational field trips. That’s why they launched “Field Trips For All.”
I loved this following video. It was fun for me to see the kid’s eyes light up and see the wheels turning in their heads.
Nominate a Class
As I mentioned above, Lunchables wants to help classes go on field trips, and that is why they are giving 50 field trips away. Anyone who is age 6 or older can visit here to nominate a class. I have some very deserving nieces and a nephew that I will be nominating for these field trips. I want to see them succeed and get the best education and experiences that they can get, and I think one of these field trips would do just that. So go ahead, nominate a classroom that you think deserves a field trip. Who would you nominate?
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Melba Snacks
Living in a time when we seem to be more health conscious, it sure is nice to have more choices. Melba Snacks provide some of those choices, and still give you that crunchy snack that you want. They taste pretty yummy too. With only 50 calories per serving, they also provide:
Healthy Alternative
I get the munchies on and off through the day….all day. I will eat the junk food if it is there, but if there are healthy alternatives, I will eat them. I tried pairing the Melba Snacks in the Sea Salt flavor with a fresh pico salsa that I made. I was a delicious combination.
There are also some other great recipes that you can make with Melba snacks. If you are looking for a sweeter snack, then check out this Chocolate Pistachio Crunch.
Chocolate Pistachio Crunch
Melba Snacks Sea Salt
Yields 40
• 4 cups (2-12-oz. pkg.) of semi sweet chocolate dark chips (not milk chocolate)
• 1 box Melba Snacks Sea Salt
• 1 cup of pistachios, chopped and toasted
1. Stir chocolate in large bowl set over saucepan of boiling water until melted and smooth making sure that
water does not touch bowl and that the chocolate does not get too hot.
2. Remove from over water.
3. Dip into melted chocolate to cover half the Melba Snack.
4. Gently shake off excess chocolate.
5. Place on baking sheet and quickly sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
6. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes.
Dance Your Way to Hollywood
Melba Snacks is also giving away a trip to Hollywood! Here’s the info:
“Dance Your Way to Hollywood” will send one lucky winner and a guest to Tinseltown for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, including private dance lessons and tickets to watch the taping of a highly popular television show. The four-day, three-night, all-expenses-paid experience includes air travel and accommodations at a popular Hollywood hotel. Sweepstakes entries accepted March 17 through June 30, 2010.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Old London Melba Toast and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Olive Garden Sweepstakes
I love eating at Olive Garden. From the food, to the experience, it’s always a good choice. Italian food is delicious, especially from Italy. Want to win a trip to Italy? Here is your chance. Olive Garden is sending four grand prize winners on an eight-day guided trip for two to explore and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of Italian culture. 500 first prize winners will be awarded a $25 Olive Garden gift card. The sweepstakes will run through May 9th, and you can enter here.
Pollo Rocca
Looking for an authentic Olive Garden taste at home? Look no further than this delicious Pollo Rocca recipe. I made it last night, and it was nothing short of fabulous. Here is a step by step video guide on how you can make your own Pollo Rocca. (The recipe for the dish is also on the video!)
The end result of this dish is fabulous as you can see. Hubby was really impressed and I will be making it again in the near future!
Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win an Olive Garden gift pack that includes: a Culinary Institute of Tuscany canvas tote, bamboo cutting board, Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil sample, McCormick Mediterranean Spiced Sea Salt sample and recipe card for Olive Garden’s Pollo Rocca
Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)
Additional Entries
Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on May 9th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.
The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by the company or PR representative. These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated by this review.
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Carrabbas Italian Grill
Italian food, yum. I don’t need to say too much more how I feel about it, right? Carrabba’s Italian Grill is nothing short of delicious, and now through April 15th, you can save with their Viaggi del Gusto Passports. They are basically a great coupon book that you can pick up at any Carrabba’s. Right off, I had absolutely no idea what Viaggi del Gusto meant, but after learning the meaning, it made perfect sense. The phrase means “Journeys of Taste” which is outlined in the passport.
The Passport includes:
- Limoncello Bread Pudding and a quartino of wine hailing from Tuscany
- Bruschette or Calamari representing Sardinia
- 20% discount on carry-out (in case you want to enjoy Italy right at home!)
Trip to Italy
If you are dying to get that taste straight from Italy, it would be a great idea to go enter to win a trip for two to Italy, courtesy of Carrabba’s. Click here to go to the entry form and enter. I already entered and will keep my fingers and toes crossed. Although I might not be going to Italy, we are headed out to Carrabba’s later this week to try out some items from the Passport. The Limoncello Bread Pudding is calling my name, so I will definitely be getting some of that. It looks tasty, doesn’t it?
Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a $25 gift card to Carrabba’s AND Two passports
Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)
Additional Entries
Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on April 12th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.
This article was written in participation with a campaign for Carrabba’s. I was given a gift card for my time to post. These views and opinions remain my own.
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Fashion Creation
I’m sure at some point in our lives we have all experimented with fashion. Whether you do it on a regular basis, or it was a one time fling, most women have done it. I like to do it, although I don’t always have the best outcomes when I experiment. I think it’s just part of being a woman. Putting together the perfect outfit, decorating a room, or making that perfect setting for a special meal. There’s something really satisfying when you get it just right.
Now through April 6th, Macy’s is sponsoring a Fashion Director Challenge. Mix and match the right pieces, and you could be a daily winner of a $500 Macy’s gift card.
The interactive outfit maker will give you suggestions as you go and helps you style, shop and share that perfect look. There will be a different occasion each day. Today’s occasion was preparing the guest room for a weekend visit from your inlaws. Below is the picture of what I created for the guest room. This was my attempt. I think I got my bases covered. Beautiful bedding, robes, extra pillows, and towels!
Enter the Fashion Challenge
· Click here and build the perfect outfit by dragging pieces to the virtual canvas until you are satisfied with the look
· Once completed, click submit to enter your outfit into the voting gallery
· Share your look on Facebook and Twitter and invite your friends and family to vote for your outfit
· The outfit that gets the most votes each day will win that day’s challenge and a $500 Macy’s gift card
Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a $25 Macy’s Gift Card
Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)
Additional Entries
Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on April 6th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.
The contest buzzed about in this article was on behalf of Macy’s. I was given a gift card from M80 on behalf of Macy’s for my time to put up the post. Macy’s is also sponsoring this giveaway. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
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I was looking at some fitness and yoga poses and was amazed at how these people can shape their bodies. If these aren’t inspiration, I don’t know what is!? Happy Monday! Source: Eugenia Woods Source: Devon Alessi on Pinterest Source: Love Stretch on Tumblr Source: Fit Sugar Source: Meditation-Yoga
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