Flip Notes, You're Gonna Want One!

Welcome Spring Flingers! The secret to Success is support!

Have you ever see a product and thought, "Gee, why didn't I think of that?" Well, that was my first thought when I opened my Flip Note and saw how durable and well constructed this product is. It's a notepad and pen in a gorgeous, metal case that fits in any purse or bag. I will be forever thankful to FlipNoteFan for sending me a Flip Note to try, as well as two to giveaway.

Flip Notes are Wellspring's best seller and are available in over 30 chic designs. There's one for every taste, but if you ask me everyone needs three or four to mix and match with different purses. Here's what Wellspring has to say about the Flip Note: "Flip Notes are perfect for notes on-the-go as they fit snugly inside pockets, purses, or briefcases! Flip Notes make perfect gifts for loved ones, teachers, hosts & coworkers. Each Flip Note features a stylish debossed metal spring-loaded case with a blank white note pad and retractable pen."

I carry my Flip Note everywhere, switching it from purse to tote to diaper bag. Its hard case makes it durable, while protecting the note pad inside. I love that I can jot down notes or lists, and the edges of the paper don't get torn, smudged, or frayed. And get this, the pen that comes with the Flip Note holds the entire case shut. You can never lose the pen because it's always right there, connected to the paper. No more digging and searching in your purse or bag for a pen! How great is that! Not that it needs more selling points, but the Flip Note is also far superior to other notepads because the hard case supports the notepad, making it easy to write on. No more floppy, flimsy notepads for me! So if you have an occasion coming up that requires a unique and lovely gift for a special woman, or you just want to treat yourself, you can't go wrong with a Flip Note. Don't forget to order refill pads and pens. And did you know that a Flip Note appeared on two episodes of Ugly Betty?

I have 2 Flip Notes (pictured above) to giveaway to a couple of lucky readers. Here's how to enter:

* For your first, required entry visit the Wellspring website and leave me a comment telling me your favorite flip note design (other than the ones offered in the giveaway) or mention another favorite product they offer. You absolutely must visit the site or no entry!

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

* Follow me
* Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.
* Tweet about this giveaway and leave your Twitter name in a comment.
* Tell me why you need a Flip Note.
* Follow FlipNoteFan on Twitter and leave me your Twitter name or link.

That's it. You have a total of up to six entries. Winners will be picked randomly on April 1st. Good luck and thanks Flip Note Fan and Wellspring.

The Dirty Shirt giveaway - Australia, the movie not the country

Our new budget doesn't really allow for going out to the movies, but I am a huge movie fan. Dramas, thrillers, and epic love stories are my favorites. I was once a comedy gal, but for some reason I just can't get into comedies anymore, and I've seen so many children's movies with the kids that I fall asleep within the first ten minutes of anything animated. An epic love story that I would really like to see is Australia. Lucky for me, the Dirty Shirt is giving away 5 copies of Australia to her readers. Nicole Kidman and that dreamy Hugh Jackman star in this movie, along with what I consider the main star - the Australian countryside. I can't wait to see this, even if I have to rent it at Blockbuster!

The R Family Diaries' Target Gift Certificate Giveaway

Do you absolutely love Target? I do, and I jump at any chance to win a Target Gift Certificate. The R Family Diaries is offering that chance times two. Yes, that's right, 2 gift certificates for 2 winners and guess how much each card is worth....$100! This generous giveaway is in honor of the blog author's new position on the faculty of Fishful Thinking, an exciting program from Pepperidge farm that promotes optimism and resiliency in children. Read all about it here: http://www.fishfulthinking.com/ and go to The R Family Diaries for a chance to win the Target GC's. Good luck!

Shaklee Giveaway at Amanda's

Amanda is giving away a Shaklee starter kit! By now most of us know about Shaklee's wonderful, nontoxic cleaning products. I love the idea of using cleaning products that are nonharmful to me, my family, and the environment. That's why I would love to win this giveaway! Here's the link to enter: http://www.mommymandy.com/2009/03/shaklee-get-clean-starter-kit-giveaway.html Good luck.

$20 Target Gift Card Giveaway at One & 1/2 Men & Me

I love getting gift certificates as presents. I know some people think gift certificates are tacky gifts that require no thought. I say, bring em on! I like picking out something I really want as opposed to taking back something I don't really like or need. The result is the same, but using the gift certificate doesn't require the "exchange process." In my opinion, exchanging unwanted or ill fitting gifts is a pain. So, I'll take a gift certificate any day! One & 1/2 Men & Me is giving away a $20 Target GC, and Target is one of my favorites! To enter, click the link and follow the entry rules. Good luck!

My Favorite Household Product, Clorox, and a Flip Video Camera Giveaway from Alice

I'm sure you're wondering what the connection is between Clorox and a Flip Video Camera giveaway. Let me explain. Alice is hosting a giveaway for a Flip Video Camera, and the only way to win is by answering the question “What household product are you most loyal to and why?” The product I am most loyal to is a real oldie but a goodie - Clorox Bleach! I remember my mother using Clorox when I was a little girl, and now I use it to clean just about everything. I add Clorox to my laundry to whiten fabrics and eliminate odors. I use it on surfaces throughout my home to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses. And, let me tell you, not just any old cleaner will kill viruses! Clorox kills MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Norovirus, a creepy pathogen that is really difficult to destroy. Yikes!
Back to cleaning, I also pour just a little, maybe one cup, of Clorox Bleach into my toilet. Then I use my toilet brush to make a couple of swipes around the bowl. I close the toilet lid and leave it for about half an hour or until I finally wake up from my nap...I mean finish my numerous other chores. I flush, and my toilet is sparkly clean and smells Cloroxy fresh. I also use it to clean sinks by placing the stopper in the sink, kitchen or bathroom. I cover the bottom of the sink with Clorox Bleach and add water till the sink is about half full. I let this stand for around thirty minutes, and voila - clean, germ-free sink! And did you know the majority of Clorox Bleach quickly degrades to salt water! I'm not a "go green" nut, but this fact does make me happy. Well, maybe not as happy as my clean sinks make me, but pretty darn happy just the same.
That's it, the product I can't live without - Clorox Bleach!

And another Hoover Giveaway at Mommy Googles

Here's another Hoover giveaway. This time it's the Platinum Cordless Stick vacuum, cordless convenience with powerful performance that is perfect for hard floors! I love it and I want it! If you want to read about the features and enter the giveaway, go to Mommy Googles, one of my favorite review and giveaway sites!

Amanda is having a new Hoover Giveaway

Amanda is giving away a Hoover Vacuumm, specifically the Hoover Platinum Collection Lightweight Bagged Upright. It removes more dirt from carpet than other lightweight bagged uprights tested. This is what I learned from her review: "The unit also comes with a versatile, portable canister vacuum with onboard tools for above the floor cleaning. Two highly effective cleaners, together for one great package–designed to get your home floor-to-ceiling clean! Patented WindTunnel Technology has three paths of suction to prevent dirt scatter and pick up more dirt in one pass from carpet than other lightweight bagged uprights tested. HI and LO power settings provide the correct amount of suction power for the cleaning job whether it's carpet or hard floors." To learn more go to the Hoover site. and to enter go to Amanda's site: http://www.mommymandy.com/2009/02/hoover-platinum-collection-giveaway.html

Barefoot Mommy is hosting another great giveaway: A car seat

Recaro makes these really safe and comfortable car seats. I was happy to read that they were designed with side impact protection for the safety of our children. Combine safety and comfort and I say you have a real winner! Thanks Barefoot Mommy for a chance to win a Recaro car seat. Click on Recaro to read more. Here's the link to Barefoot Mommy's giveaway: http://barefoot-mommy.blogspot.com/2009/02/dont-get-cute-get-recaro-reviewgiveaway.html

Giveaway at The Giveaway: The Neatest Carseat Ever

I just entered a giveaway at The Giveaway for the neatest carseat I've ever seen. It's the Combi Coccoro Car Seat, and it comes in great colors. These carseats are modern, bright, compact, lightweight, safe, and oh so gorgeous! I am smitten! Go here to enter: http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/02/my-baby-moderns-combi-coccoro-car-seat.html

200 coupon giveaway at Once Upon a Qpon

Once Upon a Qpon is a must for frugal coupon users. This blog offers links to rebates, freebies, samples, and more. Believe me, you will save money by following this blog. Here's the link: http://onceuponaqpon.blogspot.com/
Look around the blog and then enter the giveaway for 200 coupons! I just did!

$50 Walmart Card giveaway at Frugal, Freebies and Deals

FF and D has some exciting news and a generous giveaway! News first: Frugal, Freebies and Deals is featured in an article in the March Redbook along with three other families. The article deals with the effects of the recession and how these families are dealing with it. Exciting! Ok, now for the giveaway. It's a $50 GC to Walmart. I rely on Walmart to get me through my day to day budgeting, so I'm jumping on this giveaway like a fly on...well..on something. Here's the link and good luck to all - FF and D

Win a V-Moda Vibe II Headset at Frugal Rhode Island Mama

Frugal RI Mama is having a great giveaway that I know I could really use. First, if you haven't visited her blog go here http://www.frugalrimama.com/2009/02/giveaways-around-web.html and start reading. She's all about saving money - coupons, sales, surveys, giveaways.... Her advice is sound and she writes well. I know I have saved money by just reading her blog, not to mention I am now taking surveys!
Back to the giveaway. If you love your iPod or other mp3 player as much as I love mine, but you hate those tiny earbuds, then this is a giveaway for you! The V-Mode Vibe II headset is comfortable and stays in well. They are compatable with Apple products and retail for $128. So, go enter here Frugal RI Mama. Good luck.

9 DVD's to Giveaway

I'm giving away nine (that's right, nine) slightly used DVD's. By slightly used, I mean watched once or twice at the most, and all in original cases. In fact, I know my daughter watched five of these DVD's only once and declared them "too young." So, I'm offering them to you as a giveaway. Here's the list:
* Brother Bear - This is a 2 disc special edition of the Walt Disney epic animated adventure with songs by Phil Collins. A boy is magically transformed into a bear and must literally walk in the footprints of another. Personally, I loved this one.
* Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus - A 3-D adventure complete with three pairs of 3D glasses. A typical Barbie movie. Little girls would absolutely love this.
* Barby Fairytopia - another typical Barbie Movie, Barbie travels to Mermaidia to save a friend.
* The Jungle Book 2 - More adventures with Disney's Mowgli, Baloo, and Bagheera.
* Eliose - Disney movie based on Eliose At The Plaza. Gotta love that spunky Eliose!
* Kangaroo Jack - This one's rated PG. The story of an Australian 'roo who is the ultimate prankster.
* The Shaggy Dog - The other PG rated DVD in this bunch of "G's". Tim Allen stars in this Disney Movie. Hilarious and perfect for young dog lovers.
* 101 Dalmations II - Patche's London Adventure. You know the classic Disney dalmations, so you get the picture. This one's animated with the voices of Jason Alexander, Martin Short, and Barry Bostwick.
* The Land Before Time, Journey to Big Water - I think the Land Before Time Movies are great and this one follows the original cast including Littlefoot, Spike, Petrie, and Bigfoot.

That's it, the list of nine. All suitable for children. Here's how you can enter:

1. Tell me your favorite movie of all time. Or you can tell me your child's favorite, I don't mind.

2. For another entry, blog about this with a link back here.

3. For a third entry, tweet with a link to this giveaway.

Thanks, and don't forget to leave an email address.
I'll pick a winner randomly on March 21st.

$550 Coupon giveaway at eBay Selling Coach

I'm going to give you the link for eBay Selling Coach along with a word of advice. If you have any thoughts whatsoever of selling on eBay, go to her blog immediately. Read. Learn. She's eBay savy, a woman with a brain for making money and finding bargains. I visit her blog daily, and have no intention of stopping. She's giving us all a shot at winning $550 in coupon too. Gotta love that! Here's the link: eBay Selling Coach
Good Luck!

Little People Wealth Giveaway: $90 in household products we could all use

First, let me say that Little People Wealth (button to the right) has helped me save money in several different ways. I am now trying Ebay, thanks to some of her hints. Her posts have led me to freebies that I would have missed otherwise, and the Walgreen and CVS tips are a must for me. I don't have to do all the matching and thinking stuff, I just go to Little People Wealth and it's all laid out for me. OK, now for the giveaway information. Here's the site link: http://www.littlepeoplewealth.com/ Go now. Enter. You just might win $90 in household products!

Huge Birthday Bash Giveaway at I Never Grew Up

I Never Grew Up is having a Birthday Bash of giveaways and the party is on! It is the one year aniversary of the blog and there are logs of great giveaways to help celebrate. Plus, this is one great site complete with giveaways, parenting tips, crafts, reviews, and more. I am happy to have found this blog!
Here's a list of all the birthday giveaways:
* Hoover Platinum Collection Stick Vacuum...what's not to love!
* Tiny Sprouts $50 GC...sweet site with everything from blankets to outfits
* Natural Pog $50 GC...use it for some of the neatest toys around
* Simple Shoes...a pair of boys or girls shoes, very eco friendly
* A Papers Edge...giclee print, very neat
* Usborne Books, $50 GC...as a homeschooler this would be heaven to win!
* Lovely Duds baby wrap/sling...handmade, beautiful jersey wraps
* LuCoo Kids T-Shirt....amazing designs
* 90 Words Per Minute dress...a giveaway for moms!
* Poot & Boogie (a name that is applicable to our home,sigh)cute doll custom made to look like your child
* Kiwi, 1 year subscription...great parenting magazine filled with advice
* verymeri tee....such cute shirts designed by kids for kids
* See Kai Run pair of shoes...gorgeous, flexible children's shoes
* Dilly Dally Bibbies, big bib for big messes
* Super hero cape from Plum Pear Apple Designs
* KitchenAid Stand Mixer...be still my heart! Do I ever love this mixer!

Can you believe this list? Good luck!

Slanket and Peek giveaways at Seeryus Mama

My house is cold and has been for a couple of months. Everyone else thinks it feels OK, but I'm cold. We're cutting back on expenses, so the thermostat is down, down, down. brrrr I'm thinking a Slanket would feel really nice while I watch TV or knit or read! I entered to win one at Seeryus Mama and so can you. Go here:
http://www.seeryusmama.com/

While you're there go to the Peek Giveaway and enter that too. A Peek is that neat, little device that allows you to text and read email no matter where you are. Yep, you could be in the Badlands and check your email! Where exactly are the Badlands??

A Bissell ProDry Carpet Cleaner giveaway and review at Mommy Brain Reports

Here is a product I need as much as I need a new vacuum cleaner(which is a lot!). It's the Bissell Prodry Carpet Cleaner. Why? I have 5 dogs. That says it all.
For a chance to win this little beauty go to Mommy Brains
While you're there, read her posts and reviews. She has good advice, writes well, and is funny. Us Mommy's gotta stick together.

Win A Hoover Wind Tunnel at Extraordinary Mothers

My vacuum cleaner sucks...well, it actually doesn't suck, that's the problem! I would love a new vacuum, it's just not in my budget right now. So, I'll try to win one at http://www.extraordinarymothers.com/2009/02/hoover-anniversary-windtunnell-vacuum.html Extraordinary Mothers is giving away a Hoover Wind Tunnel and you can read all about it at her review: http://www.juststopscreaming.com/2009/02/hoover-vacuum-review-and-giveaway.html Go enter!

It Started with a Kiss, Kristen's Palace, is giving away $30 in gift certificates

In my opinion, gift certificates are the cat's meow. I love them, can't get enough of them. Kristin is giving away $30 in Gift certificates for Kohls, Starbucks, and Victoria's Secret. Here's a link to her blog: http://jenkinsk08.blogspot.com/ Go enter, and while you're there take a look around her blog and do some reading. She's a twin, funny, and writes well!

Life Starring Ellie and Eve Giveaway...a Kajeet!

I just entered a contest to win a Kajeet, something my daughter would absolutely love! She's 14 and is dying for her own cell phone. I think she's too young for a cell phone, but a Kajeet isn't just any old cell phone. It's specifically for teens and tweens. It has a tracking device and you pay as you go. Go here to enter: Life starring Ellie and Eve

Little People Wealth Mary Kay giveaway

Little People Wealth, a blog that really helps me save money, has
a great new giveaway - $104 of Mary Kay products!!! Yep, you read that
right, $104! The giveaway is a Timewise Miracle Set to a lucky reader! You will need to choose between combo/oily or normal/dry skin. So, go. Enter.
http://www.littlepeoplewealth.com/

Mom Most Traveled takes us flying with a new giveaway!

Mom Most Traveled is giving away a neat flyin model plane! I would love this because my daughter and I could fly it together, in the house even! How fun would that be! To check out flying model plane features and things to do with them go to: https://www.modelaircraft.org

GERRITNOW has 2 great giveaways, luggage and High School Musical

I was looking at the various giveaways available and I went to Gerritnow which I read daily. I let out a happy noise when I saw a giveawaw for Eddie Bauer Bridgeport luggage, 6 piece. My daughter came over and I showed her GERRITNOW's High School Musical 3, extended version DVD giveaway and she gave a happy noise with a little dance. We are both excited about these giveaways, and I bet you are too. So get to it. Enter at http://gerritnow.blogspot.com/

Barely Domestic Mama's 100th post giveaway

Barely Domestic Mama is having a celebration giveaway for two gift certificates! One GC is for Starbucks $10 (yummmm) and the other is a $25 GC to Bath & Body Works (love it!) I can just smell both giveaways! Coffee and scented lotions! awwwwwww life is good! Enter here Barely Domestic Mama

Seeryus Mama Giveaway: A Peek!

OK, I've seen several giveaways for Peeks, and guess what? I want one. I want one bad. Why? So I can keep up with my kids in college. Or bug the heck outta them. Either way, I really want one! When I chose our cell phone plans, I tried to save money by only getting the text feature on the kids phones. Now I wish I had included my phone, but I didn't. Sigh. Back to the Peek.... You can text and email from anywhere with these little babies. Go read about them and enter to win one at Seeryus Mama Good Luck.

The best slowcooker ever giveaway at Ohana Mama

Oh me, oh my, go look at this slow cooker. I feel like I dreamed this up myself. A slowcooker that cooks an entire meal thanks to a divided insert. It has a stainless steel base and looks great. Want to win one? I do! Go to Ohana Mama and enter! Ohana Mama Blog

Ebay Selling Coach is giving away coupons again!!!!

Ebay Selling Coach is once again giving away coupons! This time she's giving 4 winners 400 coupons. That's EACH, as in four winners each get 400 coupons! I'm trying very hard to learn the CVS/Walgreens/Couponing game, and these coupons would really come in handy. I have learned lots from the Ebay Selling Coach, and not just about Ebay. Go look around her blog and you'll see what I mean. She writes well, and her advice is top notch! Here's the link Ebay Selling Coach

Pizza Hut Tuscani Lasagna Dinner Giveaway at Reviewin' It Up!

If you want to learn about all sorts of products, go to Reviewin' It Up! I visit this site once a day to see what's hot and what's not. Today I was there to enter a giveaway for a Pizza Hut Tuscani Lasagna Dinner. All I can say is YUMMMMMMM...that and go enter! http://reviews.momminitup.com/uncategorized/win-dinner-pizza-hut-tuscani-lasagna/

80 MPH Mom is giving away one of the best reusuable shopping bags ever!

I have found a reusuable shopping bag that I plan to order. I am ordering only one, in hopes I'll win one to go with it! This bag has long handles, a zipper pouch, holds up to 35 lbs., and is cute as can be. It's the Tucker Bag, Designer Reusable Grocery Bag, and Eighty MPH Mom is giving one away to three of her readers! So go enter at http://eightymphmom.blogspot.com/2009/02/tucker-bags-designer-reusable-grocery.html#comment-form. While you're there, take a look at 80 MPH Mom's great blog. She posts reviews, giveaways, coupons, and great advice for us moms!

SIMPLE is giving away a Kajeet

I know what you're thinking...What in the world is a Kajeet? It's the neatest cell phone designed for children and their parents. It has great safety features that allow parents to control who their children text and talk to, as well as a GPS device built in. AND it requires NO contract, just pay as you go! Go read about it at the Kajeet site: http://www.kajeet.com/4u/kajeet-for-parents.html. Then go over to s.i.m.p.l.e., a great review/giveaway/coupon/savings etc. site with something for all of us frugal and not so frugal moms. Heres the link (If it doesn't work, copy and paste please) http://simple-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/02/kajeet.html

The Dirty Shirt is givingaway a Sylvan 4th Grade Workbook

I'm a homeschooling mom, and I can use all the help I can get my hands on. This giveaway is age perfect for my daughter! It's a Sylvan workbook and I would love to try a Sylvan product! If you want a chance to win one too, go to The Dirty Shirt at http://thedirtytshirt.com/?p=2958. Good luck!

Jamie's Precious Peas is giving away a pair of Bobux Shoes

For a chance to win a really cute pair of soft, children's shoes go to Jamie's Precious Peas http://preciouspeas.blogspot.com/2009/02/bobux.html. The shoes are made in New Zealand by a husband and wife team. They are called Bobux, and they look super comfy and cute. Go, enter!

Win a CVS $25 gift certificate at Great Deals Everywhere

I look for CVS deals each and every week. I found a chance to win a $25 GC to CVS and I wasted no time entering it. If you want a chance to win, go here: http://greatdealseverywhere.webs.com/giveaways.htm If link doesn't work, copy and paste please.

Fun Box giveaway at My Reason(s) to Blog

Yesterday I had fun giving away a shoebox of goodies to a nice nurse in Michigan. Today I had fun entering a "fun box" giveaway for a box filled with lots of new items such as candles, coupons, and Motrin. In addition, the blog, My Reason(s) to Blog, is really fun and interesting! I enjoyed looking around Joy's blog, and I read posts about other giveaways, her son's college scholarship, and some good, frugal advice. Go enter her contest! Here's the link and if it doesn't work, cut and paste please. http://myreasonstoblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway-fun-box.html

$24 Amazon Gift Certificate giveaway at $avings makes Cents

For every holiday or celebration that requires gift giving, I go to Amazon first. I buy all of our books, electronics, games, and movies from Amazon. For example, I just sent my daughter (in college) a camera case that she had been wanting. I ordered it from Amazon and had it sent directly to her. It was at least 10% less than store prices, and that 10% covered the cost of shipping (not to mention, I didn't have to ship it to her!) I usually order enough to reduce the shipping to "free" or nearly free. So when I saw a chance to win a $25 GC, I jumped at the chance. And now you can too. Here's the link: http://www.savingsmakescents.com/2009/02/25-amazoncom-gift-certificate-giveaway.html Copy and paste if the link doesn't work. Oh yeah, after you enter look around this great blog. $avings makes Cents has tons of great hints and advice for saving money, not to mention a few tasty, thrifty recipes like Pizza Pasta Salad!

Kitchen Aid Coffee Grinder Giveaway at Not the Jet Set

My Kitchen Aid Mixer is one appliance I refuse to do without. My mom gave it to me for Christmas three years ago, and I consider it the best present I've ever received! Why? Because I use it almost daily. I cook and bake, not only for my family but for my aging parents as well. Kitchen Aid makes several great products, the mixer just happens to be my favorite. But I wouldn't mind having the Kitchen Aid Coffee Grinder. For a chance to win one, go to: http://www.notthejetset.net/2009/02/giveaway-kitchenaid-blade-coffee.html. While you're at the Not the Jet Set site, read some of the great posts for frugal ideas and fun. I especially loved the de-junking series, fun and inspiring! If the link doesn't work, copy and paste please.

Another Reusable Shopping Bag Giveaway from A Giveaway Addicted Mom

Here's another reusable shopping bag giveaway: http://nateandjakeandme.blogspot.com/2009/02/reusablebagscom-review-giveaway.html To read about these great shopping bags go to the Reisenthel site, http://www.reusablebags.com/store/reisenthel-cityshopper-shopping-bags-p-1118.html I'm all about shopping and I would love to win a reusable shopping bag!

Play mat giveaway at 3 kids and u

Cricket and Monkey is offering one lucky reader a travel/play mat of their own. This versatile padded mat can be used for various activities: from Mommy-and-Me classes to “tummy-time” play and for picnics and beach outings. An oilcloth backing makes clean up a cinch and measures 36in x 36in. Go to Cricket and Monkey to see the pretty mats and paterns. http://www.cricketandmonkey.com/product/781454a1-3a2c-47b6-b6bf-6040b87f668c.aspx After you take a look at the mats, go enter the giveaway at 3 kids and u http://3kidsandus.com/baby-shower-giveaway-11-cricket-and-monkey/

Giveaway Winner!

I have randomly picked the winner of my shoebox giveaway. The winner is Jenna, a nurse from Michigan!
"" Jenna said...
What a great giveaway! I am going to be working at the hospital on Valentine's day. I will give away free hugs to my patients if they want them. Thanks!""

Jenna has been emailed and I hope she gets back to me with her address! I put a little something extra in the shoebox because everyone loves a nice surprise!

Reusable Shopping Bag Giveaway at Mudpies and Mary Janes

I really, really want a reusable shopping bag or two, or three! I want them because my college age daughter has the cutest one decorated with little animals of some sort, and she fills it full of junk. Everytime she comes home I see that bag, and I swear it holds 275 pounds of stuff! So, I want one too. I really do. For shopping but also for carrying stuff around. Anyway, if you want one or if you have one and need another, go to http://mudpiesandmaryjanes.blogspot.com/2009/02/baggu-reusable-bags-giveaway.html and enter to win a great Baggu reusable bag. While you're there, look around. It's a great blog full of reviews and giveaways and interesting posts.

Auntie Thesis gives away a Flip Note

Before I get started complaining about my bottomless pit of a purse, I'm giving you the link to a great blog that is offering us all a chance to win Flip Notes. http://auntiethesis.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway-flipping-over-flip-notes.html What is a Flip Note, you ask? It's a neat, metal, spring-loaded case that holds a note pad and a retractable pen. And I want one. And so will you when you see the beautiful cases. Now, about my purse. It's a disaster of a disaster and I'm always complaining about it. I need organization and pouches and pockets and...well the Flip Note!

Mom Dot Reviews is giving away an Exergen Temporal Scanner Thermometer

And just what is an Exergen Temporal Scanner? It's a non-invasive way to take your child's temperature. Here's how it works:
1) remove the probe cap 2) place the probe flat across the center of the forehead. 3) while holding the button down, slide the probe across the forehead to the hairline. 4) read the digital temperature display.
Read about it on the Exergen site, http://www.exergen.com/medical/TAT/tatconsumerpage.htm
Here's where you go to enter: http://reviews.momdot.com/exergen-temporalscanner-review-and-giveway/
Good Luck! If the link doesn't work, cut and paste please.

Ebay and a Shell Gift Card Giveaway at Ebay Selling Coach

My experience with Ebay is a direct result of a blog I have recently started reading. The blog is Ebay Selling Coach and here's the link for her giveaway for a Shell $25 GC:
http://ebaysellingcoach.blogspot.com/2009/02/ebay-coach-giveaway-25-shell-gas-gift.html

This giveaway is brought to you by an Ebay power seller and mom-preneur who is willing to share her Ebay secrets with you and me. Take advantage of her generousity and knowledge. I do! Thanks Coach.

Victoria's Secret Giveaway at A Family Completed

I love Victoria's Secret, just walking in the store makes me happy. All those pretty, silky, good smelling things! To win a $50 GC go to http://afamilycompleted.blogspot.com/2009/01/bloggy-carnival-50-victoria-secret-gift.html While you're there, look around A Family Completed's blog for some fun. If the link doesn't work, cut and paste please.

Seeryus Mama is giving away a SmartShopper

By now you have probably seen the SmartShopper reviews by various bloggers. It's this portable grocery list organizer that prints out your grocery list. It has voice recognition and is small enough to fit in your purse. Don't you think it's great? I do and I want to win one so I'm going to enter at: http://www.seeryusmama.com/2009/02/smartshopper-review-and-giveaway.html Seeryus Mama will be happy if you enter too! If the link doesn't work, cut and paste.

Gift Basket Giveaway from Jamie's Precious Peas

That's Caring is a company that makes gift baskets that are environmentally friendly. They make several different themed baskets. Go read about them here:
http://www.thatscaring.com/index.php and then go enter at Jamie's Precious Peas: http://preciouspeas.blogspot.com/2009/02/thats-caring-valentines-day.html If the links don't work, cut and paste please.

A Bedroom Giveaway from SITS

Sleep, wonderful sleep! Seems like I can never get enough, and here's a giveaway from The Secret is in the Sauce that will help make sleep even more wonderful. What do you win? A LOT!!! Here's the list:
Sheet spray, lotion and candles
A set of wonderfully soft and luxurious spa towels.
$30 Gift Card to Target for anything we missed.
Winner's blog will be our Friday Favorite the first Friday of March!
A set of 2, count em, 2 memory foam pillows
AND, best of all, a 500 thread count sheet set (you pick the size)
WOW, is this a giveaway or what?
So, go enter! Here's the link (cut and paste if it doesn't work): http://www.thesitsgirls.com/2009/02/february-giveaway-bedroom-bliss.html

Starbucks' Giveaway at Clay Hill Farm

If you want a chance to win a $25 Starbucks' Gift Certificate, go on over to Clay Hill Farm and leave a comment or two. Here's the link and good luck! http://clayhillfarm.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-giveaway.html

My Goody Box Giveaway

So, as I was washing the breakfast dishes (and I'm not gonna mention the time...cough, cough, 6 pm, cough) I began thinking about the giveaways being offered by bloggers around the internet. Since I have won a couple and I always want to give back, I decided I should have a giveaway of my own. I had an empty shoebox just sitting on the kitchen table, don't ask me why it was there, and I decided to fill it with a few new, never been opened items that I had on hand. If you're interested, I'm giving you a chance to win my shoebox. These are the items in my shoebox: 1) a bottle of Oil of Olay hydrating lotion. I have loved Oil of Olay for years! 2) A mini vacuum cleaner for your computer keyboard. 3) a Totes Key Finder. I can never find my keys, or sometimes my car but that's another story. 4) A car pillar pocket to hold your cell phone. Did I mention I can never find my cell phone? 5) A Clorox Bleach Pen. I will randomly pick a winner on February 14th.
** All you have to do to win this goody box is leave a comment with an email address. In that comment tell me if you're doing anything special for yourself or someone else on Valentine's Day. I'm making a heart shaped cake for my family and we're all going out to a movie.
** For an extra entry, go hug your kids and tell them you love them. I trust you, just tell me in a comment that you did some hugging.
** And if you want to mention this giveaway in your blog, leave a link back here and you can have another entry.

Barefoot Mommy has great giveaways!

I love the Barefoot Mommy blog sites. The three I visit regularly are Barefoot Mommy, Barefoot Military Mommy, and Barefoot Naughty Mommy (oh la la). So what does the Barefoot Mommy have going on now? Some really cool giveaways, that's what! First, here's the address to Barefoot Mommy: http://barefoot-mommy.blogspot.com/ . While you're there, check out all of her giveaways and reviews. I learn a lot from those reviews, and I plan to learn a lot more. A giveaway that I just entered is for $200 worth of Giella makeup http://giella.com/ . I also entered a generous giveaway for a cute pair of Pediped kids shoes http://www.pediped.com/Home/Home.aspx . And that's not all. Enter for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Kangaroodle, a one stop mom shop with tons of neat stuff to pick from. I especially liked the unique gifts for mom and the organic shop is the best. To read more about Kangaroodle go to http://www.kangaroodle.com/. So, go. Start entering. Hurry. If these links don't work for ya, cut and paste please.

Briana gives us all a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate

Briana at Bargain Briana is generously giving us all a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Home Depot. I love Home Depot and go there for all sorts of things, including Christmas decorations, lamps, gardening supplies, and household fixtures. If you enjoy Home Depot as much as I do, and I bet you do, go enter this giveaway at http://bargainbriana.com/2009/02/win-it-50-home-depot-gift-card-giveaway/comment-page-2/#comment-10881 . If the link doesn't work, cut and paste. Good luck!

Win a Dirt Tamer V2400 at Jolly Mom

Jolly Mom has done it again! She's offering a wonderful product, the Dirt Tamer from FilterStream. Here's the scoop on the Dirt Tamer:
Notable Features:

Vacuums dry or WET spills.
The Dirt Tamer has a revolutionary, patented 3 stage HEPA filtration system.
The Dirt Tamer captures 99.97% of dust, pollen, bacteria and other allergens down to 0.3 microns in size.
Bright headlight allows you to find dirt and dust easier.
LED light indicates when the batter y is low and when the battery is charging.
Wall mountable charging base & 3 cleaning tools (patented extendable cleaning wand/crevice tool, squeegee & upholstery brush).
The V2400 includes one HEPA filter and one washable/reusable foam filter.

To check out the company and more product information go to: http://www.filterstream.com/us/?PHPSESSID=1f78f4f8a4a1670e3b2ad530c323f725. Be sure to visit Jolly Mom and enter. Here's the link (if it doesn't work, cut and paste): http:www.jollymom.com/

SmartShopper Giveaway at Grab Bag Reviews

If you're anything like me, your mind is almost always spinning with all the things you need to remember. Well, there is a great little device called the SmartShopper that will help you remember and organize your grocery list. It even prints it out and has voice recognition. Want to try to win one? If you do, and I do, go to Grab Bag Reviews and enter! Here's the link http://www.grabbagreviews.com/2009/02/giveaway-smartshopper-grocery-list.html If it doesn't work, cut and paste please.

Gift Certificate to Carraba's Giveaway from MomReviews

Who wouldn't love a night out? We have had very few of those the last few months due to high utility bills that have taken all of the money that we budget for entertainment and extras. This giveaway is for a $50 GC to Carraba's. If you've ever been there you know they have delicious Italian meals and great service! To win the gift certificate go to: http://momreviews.net/2009/02/02/win-a-50-gc-to-carrabas-for-dal-cuore-nights/comment-page-2/#comment-17774 . If the link doesn't work, cut and paste please. Thanks to MomReviews for this generous giveaway!

Win a Canon Powershot at Gerritnow

I just found this great giveaway at GERRITNOW, a bargain and giveaway blog. The prize is a Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera. Since my digital camera was taken, an accident I'm sure, by my daughter as she headed off to college, I could sure use this! To learn the details, see a picture of the camera, and visit a neat blog go to: http://gerritnow.blogspot.com/ If the link doesn't work, just cut and paste. Good Luck!

VTech Phone Giveaway at the Dirty Shirt

If you haven't visited the Dirty Shirt blog, I encourage you to do so.
This blog is filled with reviews and giveaways, and the author writes really well. Her latest in a long line of wonderful giveaways is a VTech cordless phone. Here's some info on the phone:

DS6121 Cordless phone system with digital answering device and caller ID

DECT 6.0 Digital technology provides the best sound quality, security and range in cordless phones
Interference free
Digital answering system
Handset speakerphone
Key Features

DECT 6.0 Digital technology provides the best sound quality, security and range in cordless phones
Caller ID/call waiting*—stores 50 calls
Handset speakerphone—enjoy hands-free conversations
Interference free for crystal clear conversations
Protect yourself from identity theft with digital security

So, if you think you would love to win this as much as I would, head over to
http://thedirtytshirt.com/ . Good luck. If the post doesn't work, copy and paste please.

Win a Slanket at Jolly Mom

Oh, how I long for a Slanket on these cold, cold afternoons in front of the TV or working at the computer. A slanket is like a blanket but it has arms like a sweater.
If you want to see what they are and read about them, go to www.theslanket.com/. You'll find the giveaway at Jolly Mom, a great blog of reviews and products that I read daily. "Mom Time in '09: Stay Warm with The Slanket" is the post and here's the site: http://www.jollymom.com/. If the links don't work, cut and paste. Good luck!

Jump Snap, Ropeless Jump Rope Giveaway at Jolly Mom

Yes, you read me right, "Ropeless" jumprope. It's one of those
great electronic devices that will help us lose weight and have fun
doing it. To enter go to: http://www.jollymom.com/2009/02/mom-time-in-jump-your-body-into-shape.html Cut and paste if the link isn't
working. To read about the Jump Snap go to: http://jumpsnap.com/

Now this is a giveaway!!

Confessions of a Yummy Mummy is having one of the best, and I do mean best, giveaways I've ever seen.
It includes a homemade camera strap, a box of chocolates, a $50 Target GC, AND a $50 Fridays (TGIFridays restaurant) GC. Now that's a giveaway! Go visit her site, enter, and enjoy reading her blog! Good luck and here's the link: http://cynthialovespictures.blogspot.com/2009/01/yummy-mummys-first-giveaway.html If the link doesn't work, copy and paste please.

Smartshopper Giveaway at SAHM

SAHM Reviews is giving away the neatest little grocery list organizer you've ever seen. It's the SmartShopper and you can read about it here: http://www.smartshopperusa.com/. So hurry to SAHM and enter!
Here's the link (if it doesn't work, copy and paste!): http://www.sahmreviews.com/2009/01/one-recipe-shouldnt-require-3-trips-to.html
Good luck!

Victoria's Secret giveaway, just in time for Valentine's Day

What woman doesn't want a gift certificate to Victoria Secret? I know I do. For a chance to win a $50 GC, head over to this blog: http://afamilycompleted.blogspot.com/ and enter. While you're there take a look at the two pictures near the end of the giveaway post. You'll find a couple of real cutie's!
Good Luck. If for some reason the link doesn't work, copy and paste.

My House of Munchkins, and I don't mean doughnut holes

I have a great blog for you to read, not that you probably don't have enough to read already! But, take time and check out Dani at My House of Munchkins http://icrafty.com/ . She's celebrating her 100th post with a great giveaway, a $30 GC to Old Navy or Walmart, winners choice. But that's only a small part of why you should go to her blog. She's very entertaining, with posts about conversations with her children, her son's messy room (complete with pictures), cranberry messes in her kitchen, and her addiction to Twilight. Did I mention she's a Southern mom of 3??? Being a Southern mom of 3 myself, I totally relate to her blog! Go on over there and check her out. You'll be glad you did!

A Recaro Car Seat giveaway at Cool Baby Kid

What mother doesn't want the safest car seat possible for her precious cargo? I think I've found the perfect one, entirely concerned with safety. Oh yeah, they're also very comfy for little bodies. It's the Recaro Car Seat and Cool Baby Kid is
giving one away at http://www.coolbabykid.com/2009/01/finally-child-car-seat-to-recommend.html
Run, don't walk, to this site and enter! I did and I'm happy I did!

Pack n Play Playard by Graco ...another great giveaway from Amanda

Amanda at http://www.mommymandy.com/ sure
knows how to put on a good giveaway. Here's one more out of a
long list of many. It's a Graco Suite Solutions Pack 'n Play!
To read all about the product and many other neat stuff go to
http://www.gracobaby.com/Pages/Home.aspx#
and, last but not least, good luck!

Keen Giveaway

Who doesn't need a new pair of shoes? And this time of year, for most of us, boots will do the trick. I found a wonderful giveaway for a pair of shoes from a great company named Keen. Keen has a huge line of footwear, bags, and socks. Check them out here: http://www.keenfootwear.com/
The generous blog that is hosting this giveaway is s.i.m.p.l.e., a Michigan mom who gives her readers tips, reviews, and giveaways! Go here and read some of her interesting posts:
http://simple-reviews.blogspot.com/
Good luck!

Xbox 360 Guitar Hero World Tour Giveaway

My son absolutely loves his guitar hero for Xbox 360. Last year he even won a citywide guitar hero competition! Really, he did. Anyway, the point is this game is absolutely addicting. I've never tried it because I know the results (extreme criticism from my kids), but I know how much everyone loves it. A newer version of the old guitar hero is Guitar Hero, World Tour. With this you can create a band and go on tour. For a chance to win a World Tour Bundle for Xbox 360, head over to An Ordinary Life and get your entry in. While you're there, read some of the great posts!
http://www.aordinarylife.com/
Good Luck.

J C Penney's Baby Gift Set Giveaway

Wouldn't you like a chance to win a great gift set from J.C. Penney's for a special baby? If so, I know just what you should do. Go over to Barefoot Military Mommies for a chance to win the set for a girl http://barefootmommies2.blogspot.com/ ( If you want a chance to win a set for a boy go to her other blog at http://barefoot-mommy.blogspot.com/ )
The gift set is from Penney's newest boutique line, "Messages From The Heart" which was designed by Sandra Magsaman. The gift set includes a bunch of goodies....a blanket, a photo album, a robe, 5 body suits, and more! Good luck!

Show me the money! Win $50

I have seen and entered many giveaways, but I've finally found one that I could really use! Cash! $50 to be exact. If you have a paypal account (or not) head over to the Mom Nerd at http://themomnerd.blogspot.com/2009/01/lets-see-for-my-giveawayhows-50-bucks.html
While you're there, read some of the posts. I love the humor of this blogger, and I think you will too! Good Luck.

A Great New Giveaway: Smart-E-Bear, It's More than a Toy

Smart-E-Bear is cute, knows several languages, has earphones, sings and tells stories. I think this bear could be a great education device for the young ones in your house. Smart E Bear, made by Intellitoys, gives toddlers and preschoolers an introduction into the world of computers and virtual learning. Making an incredible learning experience, you can load the Bear, Cat, or Dog with your choice of songs, games and activities.
AND you can win one over at Momma Findings http://www.mommafindings.com/
If you want to read more about the product, go to the Smart-E-Bear site:
http://www.smartebear.com/
Good luck!

Win a pair of Shooshoos

If you have a little one, you know how hard it is to find a great shoe, one that's flexible, soft, and comfortable. Well, I have one for you and you can win it here:
www.lifeinahouseofblue.com/
Here are some features of the shoes:
Features:
♥Elasticized ankle ♥Lightest, flexible, non-slip sole
♥Softest, natural leathers ♥No laces to trip over
Check them out at www.shooshoos.com/index.php
Good luck!

Oral-B electric toothbrush giveaway

Over the Christmas holidays I took all three of my brood to the dentist. Things went well until I learned my oldest daughter needed two fillings...grrrrrr...we have no dental insurance :( The dentist talked about flossing and brushing and giving up sweets and throwing out old toothbrushes ever so often. I've heard it all before and I know he's right. That's one reason I would love to win this great giveaway from Callista's Ramblings http://www.callistasramblings.blogspot.com/ . The prize is an Oral-B Vitality Pro-White electric toothbrush. Here are some of the features and facts:
2-minute timer
- 4 brushing modes (clean, sensitive, massage & polish)
- charge level display (so you know when battery is getting low)
- Portable SmartPlug Charger
- innovative base station (where toothbrush sits)
- Smart Guide Wireless Remote Display (wall mountable)
Wouldn't you just love to win this? I know I would.
So hop on over to:
http://callistasramblings.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-electric-toothbrushes-from-oral-b.html
Good Luck!

I love my dogs and I would love to win this for them

Drs. Fosters and Smith have a great website with tons of pet supplies for sale. I have ordered from them before with great success. If you have pets and want a chance to win a $50 GC to Drs. Fosters and Smith go here:
http://www.consumerqueen.com/win-a-50-gc-to-drs-fosters-and-smith-606.htm#comment-6540

While you're there, take a look at the Royal Dogs! Very cute!
Here's where you can look at the great products offered by Drs. Foster and Smith:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/shop.cfm?c=3307

A new giveaway with several great prizes including a $25 GC to Target

While reading my regular blogs this morning I ran into one I couldn't pass by. The prizes are:
A $25.00 Target gift card
A Kona Gift Basket with coffee, tea, candy, and more
Godiva Chocolates
A bottle of Kiehl’s shampoo.
And a bottle or two of the Vaseline Clinical Therapy Lotion of course
If you want a chance to enter this great giveaway head over to Table for Five at:
http://table4five.net/2009/01/07/win-a-25-target-gc-an-amazing-prize-pack/comment-page-2/#comment-171151
For more product information go to: http://www.prescribethenation.com

Good Luck!

GloMate

I am always on the lookout for neat, new products for myself or as gifts for others. Well, today I found several all made by a company called Mobi and you can check it out here: http://www.getmobi.com/index.html.
Some of the products include an ultimate digital thermometer and a MobiCam AV. The MobiCam really caught my attention. It is a 900 mhz wireless monitoring device that can be taken anywhere. It even has see in the dark vision and can be connected to a TV. Wouldn't this be a great way to keep an eye on a sleeping baby? Mobi also sells the cutest nightlight you've ever seen, perfect for the child who is a bit scared of the dark. "The GloMate is made with cool-to-the-touch LED lights which means that your little one can safely cuddle with this nightlight in bed. Featuring a “Gentle Sleep” mode, GloMate automatically dims and shuts off the light after 15 minutes or you can program it to provide a soft comforting glow all night. The milky-white GloMate, once illuminated, can turn a constant blue, green or red or rainbow mode cycles between all three colors."
If you want a chance to win one of these cuties, go on over to Mudpies and Mary Janes at http://mudpiesandmaryjanes.blogspot.com/2009/01/glomate-giveaway.html
Good Luck!!

CD's for Children

I have long been a fan of books on tape.... well CD now but when I started listening to them they were all on tape. When the Harry Potter books first came out I actually taped the entire first book at night after the kids went to sleep. Then we played them in the car when we went on vacation. It was really fun because I allowed myself to add silly, personal little comments throughout the tape and my young ones were completely entertained for hours in the car. I don't think cars even have tape players anymore, but making those tapes for our van is a fond memory. I wonder if my older kids even remember those tapes?
Anyway, if you want a chance to win a great pair of CD's with stories from a popular newspaper column, Tell Me A Story, "read by eight of stage and screen’s most talented actors, with music by renowned composer Laura Hall, you might want to check out this great giveaway. From the banks of the mighty Mississippi to a sparkling stream in Kyoto, from the misty moors of Scotland to Africa’s folktale forests, listeners will be transported as legendary heroes, mythical maidens and talented tricksters weave their magic."
Read about the giveaway over at the Dirty Shirt. http://thedirtytshirt.com/ You'll find the button for this great site somewhere to the right of this post.

Hurry on over and enter! Good Luck!

Keurig Platinum Brewer

Have you read about or seen the Keurig Platinum Brewer? It's not just a coffee brewer, it makes hot chocolate, tea, and about any hot drink your heart desires. I absolutely love it, or at least I know I would if I owned one. That's why I was so excited to find this giveaway at Mom Blogs at MomDot:
http://www.momdot.com/keurig-platinum-brewer-giveaway-199-jan-29th/comment-page-2/?wpc=dlc#comment-82697

If you want to read more about this amazing little machine, go to:
http://www.keurig.com/


Good luck!

And yet another great giveaway

My New Year's resolution is simply to live better this year. One way to achieve this is to keep my kitchen cleaner! I do a lot of cooking and my sink seems to be continually filled with dirty dishes, pots, etc. And my floor is always littered with crumbs and spills. So, I was really happy when I saw a giveaway for Hoover's Floormate SpinScrub Hard Floor Cleaner. Boy, would I love to win this little beauty!
Here are a few of its wonderful qualities:
Vacuums, Washes and Dries all hard floor surfaces
Patented SpinScrub Brushes
Dual function dry/wet operation
Beltless design - no more belts to replace
13-inch Cleaning Path
Deluxe grip with solution trigger
Brush control on/off switch
27' Cord with quick release
Lightweight design
Includes 8 oz. bottle of FloorMate Floor-to-Floor hard floor cleaning solution
Full One Year Warranty
If you want to read more, go to: http://www.hoover.com/

So head on over to Barefoot Mommy's blog and enter! I am!
http://barefoot-mommy.blogspot.com/
Good Luck!

A T & T TL92278 Phone Giveaway

Wow, this is a great giveaway offered by Mom Fuse, a blog by a mom for moms!
Here's the information on the phone:
"The dual-handset TL92278 is the first cordless phone system to combine Bluetooth connectivity with proprietary DECT 6.0 antenna technology. This new system allows users to connect a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to the base unit for making and receiving cellular calls on the home phone system. Taking a cellular call on the home phone system enables users to roam throughout the house with peace-of-mind that calls won’t be dropped or missed due to poor cell phone reception. Plus, an independent Wyle lab study found that the AT&T DECT phones provide 45 percent more talk range (up to 190 feet) than competing DECT phones."

For a chance to win, head over to Mom Fuse at http://momfuse.com/
Good luck!

Pop-A-Tot

I run across lots of giveaways while reading the blogs of other moms. I also come across good advice for saving money, plus great tips on parenting. I don't enter all the giveaways I read about because I don't need many of the prizes. I would rather pass the chance to win to someone who really needs the item. When I read about this great giveaway, I just couldn't pass it by. The product is a very portable sort of exersaucer/jumper. It is lightweight, wipes down easily, and can be taken anywere! Read about it here: http://www.popatot.com/index.html

So for a chance to win this great item, go on over to Barefoot Mommy at:
http://barefoot-mommy.blogspot.com/
Good luck!

Another Chance for a Build A Bear gift certificate

Whenever I see a Build-A-Bear contest or giveaway, I immediately enter. I love this store and so do my kids! So, for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Build-A-Bear, hop on over to Seeryus Mama's blog:
http://seeryus.blogspot.com/2008/12/hal-moose-from-build-bear-workshop.html
Good Luck!

Would you like a chance to win an IPOD for yourself or a special someone else?

If you would like a chance to win an 8 gp ipod nano or a 1 gb ipod shuffle, head over to Christian PF http://www.christianpf.com/christmas-giveaways-two-ipods-and-more/
I visited this site for the first time today and it was filled with advice for saving and making money. So, go look around and enter to win an ipod!

Flip Ultra Video Camera Giveaway

If you would like a chance at a great giveaway head on over to I Never Grew Up
http://inevergrewup.net/giveaway-22-flip-ultra-video-camcorder/
and get your entry in. If you want to see what you could win go visit the
Flip Video Store at http://www.theflip.com/store/
This is a wonderful little video camera that is pocket sized and holds up to 60 minutes of video time.

A great product

Now this is a great, new product that any new (or experienced) mom could use. It's the Korbie diaper bag/bassinet. Here are some of the product's great features:
Storage, storage, and more storage! This bag has a ton of room!
*No more lugging around a ton of baby gear!
*Insulated pockets for bottles (easily fits 4 standard bottles)
*Single-push release makes getting to essentials a breeze!
*Sturdy, stain resistant and water repellent nylon
*Saddlebag design allows the Korbie to straddle the back of chairs
*Sturdy bassinet with carrying straps (supports up to 25lbs)
*UV-coated, nylon bassinet (even good for outdoors)
*Fashionable design
*Soft, washable terry cloth surface and safety harness on changing pad

You can have a chance to win one over at GO GRAHAM GO. Here's the website:
http://www.gograhamgo.com/
If you want to check out the Korbie, go to: http://www.korbie.com/
Good luck!

Another Build-A-Bear contest

As I posted a few days ago I love Build-A-Bear and if you've
ever taken a child there, I bet you do too! A very generous blogger is offering yet another opportunity to win a gift certificate to Build-A-Bear with several different chances to win. So get on over to Mom to 3 Angels and get your entry in.
Don't forget to look at the adorable pictures on this blog!
http://momto3angels.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-in-wonderland-blog-party-day_15.html
Here's the Build-A-Bear link:
http://www.buildabear.com/
Good luck!

Christmas giveaways

I can't believe all the great giveaways from generous bloggers this Christmas season. One thing I ran across that I am in desperate need of is the great prize at a contest over at Nurse Mommy. http://nursemommy07.blogspot.com/2008/12/win-hoover-floormate-spinscrub-widepath.html The prize is a Hoover Floormate Spinscrub Widepath. It looks awesome and you can see it on the Hoover site. Good luck!

A great Build-A-Bear giveaway

If you have ever taken a child to Build-A-Bear, you know what a wonderful experience it can be. My children loved to go there when they were younger, and I have plans to take my neice the week after Christmas...if I can steal her away from my sister-in-law. If you would like to try for a $25 Build a Bear gift card, head over to Fractured Toy and enter this great giveaway! Good luck!
http://fracturedtoy.blogspot.com/2008/12/build-bear-giftcard-giveaway.html

Do you love Amazon as much as I do?

Every Christmas I place at least three hefty orders with Amazon. I
love to give books as presents. I also like to give movies on DVD because
I know that most members of my family miss the movies when they are on at the theaters.
But Amazon has much, much more than books and movies. They have, well basically everything!

If you want to try to win a $25 gift card to Amazon, go on over to Debateur
Debates. http://debateurdebates.blogspot.com/ If you don't want to enter the contest, read the comments. It's worth it.

another great giveaway

Here's a great new giveaway over at Nickels N Dimes. The prize
is $100 worth of Estee Lauder products. Wouldn't that be a nice
treat for a mom who spends her days looking after others?
Here's the link:
http://nickels-n-dimes.blogspot.com/2008/12/giveaway-7-estee-lauder.html
good luck

Blogging Trends

Have you ever noticed that some words start out as nouns and become verbs? The recent ones that come to mind are google, blog, and text. My kids are always texting someone or googling something. I, on the other hand, am usually reading blogs as opposed to "blogging." A recent blog trend is the giveaway and there are some great ones out there. For example over at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/search/label/giveaway there is a great giveaway for a wonderful stroller called bumbleride valued at $329.99. So, get on over there and enter for a chance to win. I'm sure we all know someone who could use this great stroller.

Turkey giveaway

I've found some really neat giveaways from bloggers. One very timely giveaway is for a Jennie-O Oven Ready Turkey. You can enter for a $20 coupon over at Moms by Heart http://momsbyheart.blogspot.com/2008/11/jennie-o-oven-ready-turkey-review.html
Good luck! And good luck with your holiday preparations. I'm in the middle of some very intense Thanksgiving cooking, something I actually look forward to during the weeks before Thanksgiving. Well, maybe what I really look forward to is the "eating" part of the holiday because the cooking and cleaning up can get a bit hectic.

Where does the time go?

I haven't posted anything here since April of last year. I read blogs almost daily, but I have no desire to write anything. Except a few political
insights. But if I wrote those I would get nasty comments. So I won't.
Except for this. Regardless of what happens on election day, I fear we're in a heap of trouble. I just read that 51% of Americans favor heavy taxation of
the wealthy to redistribute wealth. This tells me that over half of our
population is socialist. Or does it simply mean that over half of our population
has no idea how the economy works? A bit of both I bet.

Prom Time

My daughter went to her senior prom tonight. She looked so pretty! The day started with her hair appointment and then a trip to pick up her date's boutonniere (I guess they still call it a boutonniere). Then it was time to do nails. Last year she went with her friends to have them done at a salon. This year they did each other's nails and makeup. I think they really enjoyed the girly primping time together. I drove her to her date's house at twenty after four. Usually the girl gets picked up, but we live 30 minutes from her boyfriend and we were already in town. Besides, it is a big deal now for the parents to gather at one house and take pictures of the couple all gussied up for the prom. Several couples were gathering for pictures at a home near the boyfriend's house, so it was easier for me to drop my daughter off. When I was young, parents did not go from house to house taking pictures of the prom couples. Anyway, after pictures were taken, the couples go out to eat at nice restaurants. The prom starts around 7. When it's over, the kids go to afterprom parties that last all night. They are coed and invitations always say something like "parents are welcome to drop in at anytime to visit with the adult chaperones."
I have been through many junior and senior prom nights with my kids. I always worry because so many teenagers drink on prom and graduation nights. My daughter promised to call me when she got to the afterprom party. I won't be able to sleep till I get that phone call.

Sleepless in Tennessee

I can't sleep, so I'm reading blogs and rambling around on the internet. I came across this http://www.pulitzer.org/year/2007/feature-photography/works/
You might have to cut and paste, but it's worth looking at. Get the tissues ready. It's a prize winning photo exhibit of a single mom and her son as he loses his battle with cancer. If you click on the pictures, they will enlarge and an explanation can be viewed. The hardest picture to look at is when the son is taking his last steps and the cancerous tumor in his stomach is so large that he can't zip his pants. I believe he is also blind in that picture, due to a large tumor pressing on his eyes. I can't imagine what that mother must have gone through.

Changes

I have never liked changes, especially when they are forced upon me. It seems that I go through times when nothing new happens, maybe for years. And then, suddenly, in the blink of an eye things change. It's almost like when someone dies and you realize the world has lost another person, yet the world doesn't really notice. That person is here one day and gone the next. Or you find yourself driving your child to college and something inside knows it's the end of an era, things will never be the same. I have had too many changes lately, and my head feels like it's spinning. My son told me last week he will not be coming home this summer. He will be staying in Nashville to continue a research project. It seems as if he's really grown up and on his own for the first time. My oldest daughter will be going to college this fall and she has decided to live in the dorm, even though we live close enough for her to commute. I understand completely, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it, especially with her health problems. But, she has plenty of scholarship money to stay in the dorm and pay tuition, and I know it's for the best. My parents just informed me they will be moving into town as soon as they get things organized and packed. They have always, and by "always" I mean almost thirty years, lived just down the road from me. That has been a great comfort to me on many levels. When my husband died, I knew I could always go talk with my mom if I got lonely for adult talk. As they've gotten older, I feel like I'm close enough to help if anything comes up. I drive my mom to town off and on and I take them certain foods I fix because my mom no longer likes to bake. Mom is sick again and the dr. doesn't really know what it is. She goes in for tests next week. My dad says he wants her living closer to doctors and hospitals. He says the farm is too much for him now, he can't keep care of the land and it drives him crazy to see things growing up all around him. My father has always hated the city. I can't imagine he'll be happy living in town. Isn't it sad that age takes so much from us. My father says he has heard people say how wonderful it is to get older and wiser. He says there is absolutely nothing good about getting old. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to move. It will be hard to live where I live now without the kids. And, everytime I pass my parents long driveway I know I'll want to drive up it. I'm certainly not ready to move into town, but my youngest is still at home and I'm sure she would love to have a neighbor or two with children. decisions decisions......

Buzz and Lilly

I have always loved animals, especially dogs. When I was in my 20's and 30's I showed dogs in both obedience and conformation. I had several English Springer Spaniels, a corgi, and a crazy border collie. Now, I have two untrained Australian Shepherds and my daughter has a 5 month old corgi. We also have a cat that we adopted from the shelter. My unruly Australian Shepherds, Buzz and Lilly, are an embarrassment to me because for several years I taught obedience classes for a local kennel club! I keep promising myself that I will train Buzz and Lilly, but I never get around to it. One of these days, after I plant a couple of apple trees, paint my porch chairs, get my back door fixed, paint my bedroom, clean the attic,........

Easter Eggs

We dyed Easter Eggs today. It was just my youngest daughter and me, but we had fun. Years ago, my sisters and I would get all the kids together (usually at my house) on Good Friday to dye eggs. We had such fun and acted so silly. There was always more dye on little fingers than on eggs. Now, all my nieces and nephews are grown (or almost grown). My mom always joined us, and I'm sure she's missing those fun times too. My daughter made one orange egg today with the letters UT (University of Tennessee) on one side. We took a picture of it and emailed the picture to my son. He goes to Vanderbilt, but he's always been a huge UT fan. My oldest daughter is going to UT so we also emailed a picture of the orange UT egg to her. We spent the rest of the day eating jelly beans and chocolate.

music meme

Grammie has tagged me, and if I understand correctly, I must post my favorite seven songs. If I had to post the last seven songs listened to, it would be whatever was sung on American Idol. I can't even remember what the contestants sang this past week, so I'll list the last seven songs I listened to on my ipod. I think it's funny that I have an ipod, but my son gave me one last Christmas. I've actually enjoyed it, especially when I go for walks.
1. Crazy - Gnarles Barkley
2. Listen - Beyonce (Dreamgirls)
3. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going - Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls)
4. Defying Gravity (Wicked)
5. Georgia - Ray Charles
6. Your Song - Elton John (in honor of his 60th birthday)
7. Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flats

Thanks Grammie!

Good Friday

I've always loved Easter. To me, it is the holiest of all Christian holidays.

Yesterday my daughter finished her radioactive iodine treatments for Grave's Disease. She is confined to her bedroom for the next 4 days. She is emitting beta particles (I think that's right) and that's not a good thing. She has to flush the toilet twice after she uses it. And she has to throw away her underwear a couple of times a day. She is on a special diet with absolutely no sodium. She is allowed to eat chicken, beef, or pork with no seasoning except pepper. She can have fresh vegetables or fruit (no canned stuff), 1 piece of bread and 1 cup of milk a day. She can drink tea, water, and KoolAid if it doesn't contain red dye 40. That's all she's allowed. She's basically living on bananas and baked potatoes with pepper. She says the diet is the hardest thing she's ever done.

Areas of the North are covered in snow. I remember a huge snow in April when I was in high school. We had no power for over 5 days. My mom cooked over a fire in the fireplace. There was plenty of food because we had to use stuff in the freezer before it ruined. In those days our freezer was filled with good things from the garden, as well as beef we raised and grain fed during the summer. All four of us kids slept in the floor near the fire and my parents slept on a couch. At the time, I didn't realize I was living something that would later become a precious memory.