The Kia Hamsters are Back! Plus an iTunes Gift Card #Giveaway

Disclaimer: Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors. All opinions are my own.

Do you remember the infamous Kia hamsters from the commercials? So fun! Well, they are back again and even better than ever, just like the new 2014 Soul!

Now the Kia hamsters have transformed themselves. They are lean, mean, head-turning machines, and they are just the ones to introduce the new, sleek 2014 Kia Soul! The hamsters hit the gym to "Applause" by Lady Gaga. Check out the video and see their new look & the newest Kia too.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors

This is the 2014 Soul! shown here. It is expected in fall 2013.

I think this commercial is pretty cute. Those are some dedicated hamsters. Treadmills, swimming laps and all that other hard work leads the hamsters to their new lean physiques. What do you think? What did you enjoy most about this video?

For a chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card, you can tell me just that. Watch the video and enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Brew Over Ice #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.

It's still summertime. The weather this year hasn't acted like that too much here in Ohio. But it's still the summer season. It's sunny out and fun to be outdoors. Part of being outside in the summer, though, is keeping cool. A great way to keep cool is with a refreshing iced beverage. Now you can use your Keurig brewer to have a nice iced drink to enjoy.

The product: If you have a Keurig brewer, perhaps you've already heard of (or even tried) the new Brew Over Ice products. They are K-Cups that you brew over a glass of ice for a cool refreshing drink. It's a great change for summertime. You can still get your coffee fix without having a hot drink on those sweltering days. Or maybe you're an iced tea lover. The Brew Over Ice tea varieties will be perfect for you. You can get even more use out of your Keurig now.

You will find many varieties of Brew Over Ice including Snapple Teas, Green Mountain & The Original Donut Shop coffee, Vitamin Burst, Green Mountain Naturals, and Celestial Seasonings. There are different kids of each.

It's so simple to do. You already have a Keurig if you're interested in these, so you know how to operate one. Now you're Keurig can do more. It can Brew Over Ice too.

Here's how it's done: Step 1- Fill a 16-oz. cup to the top with ice and place a Brew Over Ice K-Cup pack into your brewer. Step 2- Press the 6-oz. or 8-oz. button for optimal flavor. Step 3- Stir and enjoy!

That's it. It's so simple and easy to enjoy great cold beverages now too. It opens up many more possibilities with your Keurig brewer. Everyone in the family will want to try it out now.

What we thought: My husband has been using the Brew Over Ice cups for a little while now. He likes the iced teas, like Celestial Seasonings Half & Half (smooth black tea and natural lemonade). It's easy just to make one drink at a time when you need it.

We received a package with a few Brew Over Ice drinks to try out here. I really liked the Donut House Collection Sweet & Creamy iced coffee. I'm not a big coffee drinker but with a little sweetness I'm more likely to enjoy it. I didn't know what I'd think of this, but honestly it was really good. It had just the right amount of sweetness and was creamy too. My son took a little sip and claimed it was "yummy".

The other variety I'm looking forward to trying is the Vitamin Burst Acai Berry Iced Fruit Brew. I imagine it will taste like a vitamin/juice drink. It sounds sweet and refreshing. There are so many other varieties that we are looking forward to trying as well.

Be sure to check out the "Brew Over Ice Sweepstakes" going on now at http://game.brewoverice.com!

Where to buy: You can find these Brew Over Ice products on store shelves all over. Be sure to visit www.brewoverice.com/coolwaytobrew to download a $2 off product coupon for your next purchase.

Prize: One of you will win a prize pack (as shown above) container a fun Brew Over Ice light-up ice bucket, to-go cup with straws, 4 coasters, and 3 samples of Brew Over Ice K-cups.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open now until 12:01am EST on 9/6/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray & DVD #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.

The product:

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY PRESENT ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH starring Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, Rob Corddry, Brendan Fraser, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara and Jane Lynch blasts off June 4, 2013!

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the family film ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH.

This fantastic, comedy- adventure crosses all galaxies to entertain the entire family with an all-star vocal cast including Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara, Jane Lynch, Steve Zahn, Chris Parnell, Brendan Fraser, Rob Corddry and Ricky Gervais.

In ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH, Planet Baab’s most celebrated space traveler, Scorch Supernova (voiced by Brendan Fraser), is a global hero whose interplanetary exploits are televised for the enjoyment of his ardent fans. With the help of his brainy brother Gary (Rob Corddry), head BASA Mission Control, Scorch has become a legend, winning the love of beautiful television reporter Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) and the devotion of Gary’s hero-worshipping son Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit).

When BASA’s no-nonsense chief, Lena (Jessica Alba), intercepts a distress signal from the Dark Planet, a notoriously dangerous world in the far reaches of the universe, Scorch jumps at the chance to attempt the once-in-a-lifetime rescue mission. But Gary tries to discourage his bother from making the trip, knowing that no intergalactic explorer has ever returned from the faraway world (also known as Earth). Scorch realizes too late that he has been lured into a deadly ambush set by the power-crazed paramilitary leader General Shanker (William Shatner). When the trap snaps shut, imprisoning Scorch and some of the most brilliant minds in the universe, Gary rushes to their aid. What he discovers is a plot of interplanetary proportions that only his brains and Scorch’s brawn can stop.

The film is directed by Cal Brunker from a screenplay by Brunker and Bob Barlen based on a story by Tony Leech and Cory Edwards. The film is produced by Catherine Winder, Luke Carroll and Brian Inerfeld. Executive producers are Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Radenko Milakovic, Marvin Peart and Tony Leech.

The film’s upbeat soundtrack includes music from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson as well as original music composed by Aaron Zigman.

A GUIDE TO THE CHARACTERS OF ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH

Gary Supernova (Rob Corddry) – A Mission Control whiz kid at BASA, Gary has always been overshadowed by his younger brother Scorch. But without Gary’s loyalty and genius-level intelligence, the pumped up daredevil would have been Gnarlach food long ago.

Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) – A hot-dogging astronaut celebrated for his outrageous and heroic exploits, Scorch is a global hero on the planet Baab, where his adventures are must-see television for his fans on the BNN network.

General Shanker (William Shatner) – Shanker appears to be a loyal military man, but in reality he is a ruthless megalomaniac bent on destroying all intelligent life in the Universe.

Kira Supernova (Sarah Jessica Parker) – Gary’s loyal and loving wife, Kira spent 15 years as a test pilot for BASA before devoting herself fulltime to Gary and their adorable son Kipper. But make no mistake: “Just ‘cause a chick has kids doesn't mean she can’t still dish it out.”

Kipper “Kip” Supernova (Jonathan Morgan Heit) – Gary and Kira’s plucky nine-year-old pride and joy, Kipper idolizes his intrepid Uncle Scorch, but learns that his dad’s brain and his uncle’s brawn are an unbeatable combination.

Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) – When the hot and spicy anchor for BNN News is not avidly pursuing a breaking story for the network, she finds time for canoodling with her best beau, Scorch.

Lena (Jessica Alba) – Gary’s boss Lena is beautiful, highly intelligent, hard-driving—and extremely duplicitous. Her ambition is unbridled, but her fatal weakness for a guy in an Elvis wig could be the end of Baab.

“Finally, a family movie that your entire family can enjoy together.”

~ The Dove Foundation

“For its fun and good messages, the Parents Television Council is proud to award Escape From Planet Earth with the seal of approval™”

~ Parents Television Council

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH heads to retail on June 4, 2013 for an SRP of $39.99 for the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and $29.98 for the DVD.

The ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and DVD include exclusive special features such as commentary with director Cal Brunker, The Making of Escape From Planet Earth, Alternate Takes and Deleted Scenes and Music Featurettes from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson.

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH BLU-RAY™ Combo Pack

(Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet™)

Street date:                   June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                    ZBD24749ORN

UPC:                            01313247499180

Run time:                     89 Minutes

Rating:                         PG

SRP:                            $39.99

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         5.1 DTSHD-MA

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH DVD

Street date:                  June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                   WC24745     

UPC:                           01313247459580

Run time:                    89 Minutes

Rating:                        PG

SRP:                            $29.98

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         Dolby Digital 5.1 

What we thought: My son was so excited when we received this movie. We missed it in theaters and apparently it's one that has caught his eye.

There are some great celebrity voices in this movie. I appreciated picking them out. Most kids wouldn't notice, but I think it makes it more fun for the adults when you start recognizing voices.

Overall it is a fun family movie. I enjoy it when there is a good movie like this that the whole family can watch together. Pop some popcorn then relax and enjoy a rainy night in.

Where to buy: The Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray and DVD are available in stores and online now.

How to Connect: Find out more about this movie at http://www.escapeearthmovie.com/.

Prize: Two of you will win a copy of Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray/DVD like I did.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/9/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


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New Sesame Street Cereal from Post #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Toddlers are a fun group. Little kids are doing so many new things and are learning so much. It's fun to see all the changes that they go through. What do you think of with toddlers? Learning to eat. Walking. Self feeding. Cute children's shows and cartoons. Now here's a product that toddlers will love. It encourages self feeding and has some of their favorite characters.

The product: Post has launched a new cereal with toddlers in mind. It is Sesame Street Cereal with their favorite characters on the box. And the cereal inside is perfect for little hands. Reach a new milestone with your little ones with a cereal they will love.

Post Sesame Street Cereal comes in two varieties, A is for Apple and B is for Banana. For your growing child this cereal is made with 2/3 of their daily whole grain serving plus it has only 1 gram of sugar per serving. Cookie Monster and Elmo are featured on the boxes of this cereal. The cereal itself is in the shape of little X's and O's. It makes picking it up easy for little fingers. And it is soft and melts in your mouth for easy and safe consumption for your little ones.

What we thought: On first site, I know my son would have loved these cereals when he was a toddler. Having Elmo & Cookie Monster on the box will thrill any young Sesame Street fan. Not only are the boxes catchy with favorite characters, but the cereal is pretty good. It has a slight hint of the flavor in the little pieces. It reminds me of Cheerios with a hint of apple/banana flavor. The texture is great for little ones. It is a soft cereal that they can easily chew and swallow. I think these cereals are great for any families with young children. They will definitely enjoy trying this. I will be getting some more when Jonah is big enough to try it too.

Where to buy: You can find the new Post Sesame Street Cereal in your local grocery stores now.

Prize: One of you will win one of each box, A is for Apple and B is for Banana, of Post Sesame Street Cereal.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 6/28/13 at 12:01am EST. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Kroger June Value

Disclosure: The information and gift pack have been provided by General Mills and Kroger through MyBlogSpark.

Summertime is here. School is out and hungry kids are home. It's time to stock up on your favorite brands from Kroger.

The product: Kroger is a great store to shop at. They always have great deals on your favorite products from the best brands. You can often find great savings on your favorite brands from General Mills like Pillsbury, Totino's, Chex Mix and Yoplait.

What we thought: We don't have a Kroger in town, but often stop to shop in one when we're away from home. There are a few within driving distance in neighboring towns. When there are great deals, I love to make the trip just to shop there. This last time we found one of my husband's favorites, Ale-8-One pop (link not sponsored, just a product we love). We can't get there here, but when we were near Cincinnati last month we were able to get it. He is all stocked up for a while now thanks to Kroger and the $25 gift card I received.

How to connect: You'll find Kroger on Facebook and Twitter.

Prize: One reader will win a $25 Kroger gift card.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 6/21/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Journal 10+ Mother's Day #Giveaway

This post was written by me on behalf of Journal 10+. All opinions are 100% my own.

The product: Journal 10+ isn't just a plain journal. This is a compact entry 10 year journal. It's designed to give you space to jot down little thoughts, memories, or keep track of things each day. It makes journaling easy. You can collect your daily entries for 10 years in this one bound book. So handy to write what you want and have a place to put it daily.

The Journal 10+ is a unique 10 year journal and a firm favorite for parents looking to keep a family journal without feeling the pressure to fill a blank page with insight and meaning, and is an ideal Mother's Day gift. 

Just scribble down a few sentences each day and, before you know it, you have a decade of memories and observations at your fingertips! Each 'daily page' of the Journal 10+ offers room to write about one day - September 16th, say - every time it comes around from 2013 to 2023. What fun to compare what was happening in your life on any given day as the years go by.  

This video by Ali Fedotowsky explains how the Journal is used - Ali's Journal 10 video

Key features:

• As you make each entry you see what was happening on that day in previous years

• Re-reading triggers memories of people, place and events otherwise forgotten

• Captures personal and family development and milestones

• Takes just 5 minutes a day

• No pressure to fill a blank page

• Builds over time into a family memoir

What I thought: I really like the idea of a small journal entry each day. It's something that a busy mom can handle to store little memories from each day. I started doing this journal at the beginning of the year. However, I'm not much of a journaler (other than blogging), so I quickly fell out of habit. I would really like to get back to it now, because I see how nice it would be with my newborn. It would be easy to jot things down, that I'm already forgetting. It would be great to have something to look back on.

The Journal 10+ is laid out nicely. Each day has a little space for your entry and there are extra pages in the back for longer entries. There is also a place to mark the weather for that day and other little things like this.

Journal 10+ just had an upgrade too! It now is made with a genuine bounded leather cover. This will give it a nice look and last longer too. To celebrate one of you will win your own copy!

Where to buy: You can find Journal 10+ on their website and Amazon as well.

How to connect: Check out Journal 10+ on Facebook.

Prize: One reader will win their own Journal 10+.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 5/15/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Minute Rice- Minute Steamers #Giveaway (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner listed below.

Need a quick addition to a meal? Or maybe you need some easy meal inspirations. We all need a little help from time to time, and this easy to fix solution will work for you.

The product: We all have busy times in our life. Sometimes getting a meal ready for dinner can be a hassle. MinuteRice's newest product, Minute Steamers (available in the frozen food aisle at your local Walmart), are the perfect addition to your family's dinner table. From freezer to plate in just four minutes, Steamers help make perfectly cooked rice a part of a well-rounded, affordable meal, making the back-to-school transition easy for you and your family.

Minute Steamers is available in seven different varieties, including: Whole Grain Brown Rice, White Rice and flavorful mixes such as Whole Grain Brown & Wild with Vegetables, Broccoli and Cheese Rice, Spanish Rice, Fried Rice and Macaroni and Cheese.

To help make mealtime even easier, Minute Steamers offers Four Ingredient Meals with Four-Minute Steamers, combining some of your favorite ingredients and kitchen staples with Steamers to create yummy, simple meals the whole family can enjoy.


South-of-the Border Turkey Dinner

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Minute Steamers Brown Rice
• 1 pound ground turkey, cooked and crumbled
• 1 can (11 ounces) southwestern corn blend
• 1 cup prepared salsa

Directions:

• Prepare rice according to package directions.
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine turkey, corn and salsa.
• Cook on HIGH 2 minutes.
• Stir in rice.

Tips:

• Add 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.
• Use as filling in tortillas and top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
• Roll into burrito-sized tortillas and serve with sour cream.

What we thought: We tried the Minute Steamers Mac & Cheese. I fixed it as a side dish to go along with supper one night. Just a simple meat & veggies kind of night. It needed a little spicing up. The mac & cheese was so easy to make. I just put the bag straight from the freezer to the microwave. It only takes a few minutes and you have a fresh, hot side dish. We thought the mac & cheese was pretty good. Not the best mac & cheese I've had, but I'd rate it on the better end. It's something that we would definitely eat again.

The only draw back for us was the size. There really wasn't a lot in the bag. I would say it was about 2 adult size portions. We split it between 2 adults and 1 child (who eats like an adult), and it was a pretty small portion for each of us.

I also got a bag of the Fried Rice, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. It looks yummy. I could make it as a dinner side or maybe a quick, easy lunch for myself one day.

Where to buy: I had a hard time finding the Minute Steamers in my local grocery stores, but was able to get it at Walmart. It is available in these varieties now.

Prize: One winner will receive an assortment of  Minute Rice items such as a kitchen timer, reusable grocery tote, and potholders.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 2/19/13. It is open to US residents only.Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

"Texas Wildflowers" by Anita Higman Blog Tour #Giveaway

The product:

Texas Wildflowers

 

"A romance assortment of petits fours, and as dreamy sweet."

 

—Harold Wolf 
 

 

From the Back of the Book:

The four McBride sisters risk their hearts for love in the islands, canyons, mountains and bayous of Texas.

 

Deserted at the altar, a devastated Rosy McBride heads back to Galveston Island and begins working at her mother’s scrapbooking business. Will spending time with Larson Brookfield help mend her broken heart, or will she merely wind up pasting away?

 

Christian counselor Lily McBride relies on her quirky common sense and God’s wisdom to help her clients. Will she be successful at her new career or break the most solemn of counselor/patient vows by falling for the handsome, eccentric, and impossibly irresistible Rubin McCall while hiking the Palo Dura Canyon?

 

In the mountain town of Alpine, Violet McBride owns Romantic Images, a business that teaches people how to live romantically. Will Morgan Jones, a geek she meets online, show her the real meaning of romance and the art of love?

 

Heather McBride’s picture-perfect life has unraveled in the bayou. Will the free-spirited Evan Finch not only reawaken her artistic passion but also give her the courage to fall in love—without her day-planner?

 

Will God help give these women the pluck to love the least likely of soul mates?

 

Read Chapter One at:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/137142510/TexasWildflowers_ChapterOne

An Interview with Anita:

 

Tell us a bit about Texas Wildflowers.

Texas Wildflowers is a 4-in-1 novella collection through Barbour Publishing. Each novella is set in an exotic location in Texas. They are lighthearted romances, and they’re all tied together with the four McBride sisters.

 

Which of the four novellas was the most fun to write?

They were each fun to write in their own way, but my favorite character was Lily, the counselor, in Forget Me Not Lily. She was quirky and fun, relatable and loveable. At least that’s what I hope readers will feel.

 

All these novellas are set in Texas. Are the towns and parks real?

Yes, in fact one of the novellas is set in Big Bend National Park, where my husband and I went on vacation. So, when you read about the characters on certain trails, they’re real, and we hiked them!

 

Did you have a favorite book when you were a child?I loved fairytales. Cinderella was my favorite.

 

Do you have a vacation spot you’d love to visit?

I’m dreaming of Ireland. My husband and I plan to travel there next summer. Can’t wait! Then I’m going to use the emerald isle as a setting in one of my novels.

 

What are 5 things that your readers might not know about you?

1. While I was in college I tried working in a pillow factory. I was terrible at it. I got so weary with the repetition I started yakking with the woman next to me. We got reprimanded over and over until I quit. I discovered one thing from that college job—talking is something I excel at.
2. I once won a hog-calling contest at a banquet. I was not embarrassed, but I should have been.
3. I have a bird phobia, and yet I love birds! (That is, from a distance.) My house is filled with the fake kind—prints on the walls, statues, and general bird doodads. Go figure.
4. I keep some interesting treasures near me when I write—a wooden jewelry box my son made me when he was in school, a candle from the 1960s, a hat once owned by a famous mystery writer, the inner parts of a music box, a birthday card that plays The Twilight Zone theme song, and an old family toy helicopter that says, “Going up.”
5. Thirty-four years ago I rappelled off a cliff alongside the man I was dating. We kissed in mid-air while dangling off that cliff. I ended up marrying that man, and we've celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary!

What awards have you won?

I’ve won two book awards. One of my co-authored books entitled, A Tribute to Early Texas, won a San Antonio Conservation Society Citation as well as a Westerners International Book Award. Also, I was given three honors by readers: I was a Favorite New Author in the 15^th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards, and my co-authored novel, Castles in the Air, was a Favorite Contemporary Romance in the 16^th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards. My most recent award is a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) for my novella, Once Upon a Christmas Eve.

 

When readers finish the last page of Texas Wildflowers, what do you want them to come away with?

I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplished even one of those things I would feel my writing time wasn’t wasted.

 

Where can your readers connect with you online?

Please drop by my website at www.anitahigman.com, or visit my Reader Page on Facebook and chat with me there at http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAnitaHigman.

About the Author:

Bestselling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has thirty-two books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Please visit her online at www.anitahigman.com.

What I thought: This book was fun, relaxing, quick read. It's something nice that I like to pick up from time to time just to have something fun to read without thinking too hard. I enjoyed the stories that unfolded of each of these sisters from Texas in the different books within Texas Wildflowers. After the first story, the rest of the stories got a little predictable. They all revolved around one sister, who was in need in some way at the time. It was a turning point for her life. She meets a boy, falls in love quickly, and they live happily ever after. While they were feel-good stories, it did get a little redundant by the last story. Still I enjoyed the book.

Where to buy: You can find Texas Wildflowers by Anita Higman in stores and online now.

Prize: One reader may win a copy of this book- Texas Wildflowers by Anita Higman. Read instructions below.

Giveaway: This giveaway will be open until 8:00PM EST on 1/16. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment. Let me know what you think you'd like about this book or a comment about the author.

There must be at least 10 commenters in order for me to submit a winner!! So don't waste time. Enter now & tell your friends about it too!!



*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Applegate Bacon #Giveaway (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winners listed below!

Mmm, bacon. If there is one thing that most people like (except vegetarians), it's bacon. Lately we've been seeing bacon in everything...including chocolate sundaes with bacon on top. That might be a bit too much for me, but I do enjoy bacon. Now you can enjoy the meat without worry of where it came from with Applegate Bacon. And you'll want to get your hands on this bacon in time for your holiday

The product:
Applegate:
All of the Meat…None of the Mystery

Defining Natural Meat
For more than 25 years, Applegate has been producing high-quality meats and cheeses,
including hot dogs, bacon and deli meats, with only natural ingredients. Natural can mean
many things, but when consumers see the word “natural” on the Applegate label, they are
guaranteed that the meat inside is:

• Free of antibiotics or hormones
• From animals fed a vegetarian or 100% grass diet and treated with humane animal
standards
• Free of chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Providing Great-Tasting Meat Choices Consumers Can Trust
More and more consumers are seeking out natural and organic products, and Applegate
works with nearly 1,000 family farms to offer Americans great-tasting choices from trusted
production practices.

Applegate’s network of farmers treats both their land and their animals with the utmost
respect. The animals are raised humanely and never given antibiotics, hormones or artificial
growth promoters. And all of Applegate’s products are made with natural and organic
ingredients that are minimally processed, without any artificial additives to mask their
naturally wholesome flavor.

Natural Turkey Bacon

Our Natural Turkey Bacon is a delicious alternative to pork bacon that you can enjoy every

day. Our recipe uses select cuts of hand-trimmed natural turkey thigh meat – carefully

seasoned and smoked over the crackle of hardwoods. Why is it so great? Because we use

whole cuts and don’t use fillers or nitrites, our turkey bacon is meaty, smoky and delicious.

It’s also:

• Casein Free

• Dairy Free

• Gluten Free

• Low Carbohydrate

• Low Fat

Natural Sunday Bacon

Declared by The New York Times to be, “…superb, filled with the flavor and aroma that

makes everyone gravitate towards the kitchen,” our Natural Sunday Bacon possesses all

the flavor of old fashioned country bacon without added nitrites or chemical preservatives.

At Applegate, we take our bacon seriously. We use select cuts of antibiotic-free pork, and

season it with natural ingredients like sea salt. Then we smoke it for hours over hardwood.

(In this context, smoking is a great habit, and one we will never give up.) Whether you’re

preparing an old-fashioned country breakfast or an elegant dinner salad, Sunday Bacon is a

perfect choice for people as serious about taste as they are about healthy bacon.

It’s also:

• Casein Free

• Dairy Free

• Gluten Free

• Low Carbohydrate

What we thought: We were excited to open the package to see the Applegate Bacon and Turkey Bacon. It looked so yummy. My favorite way to eat bacon is on a BLT sandwich. So yummy and a quick, easy supper. Applegate has some other great recipes that I can't wait to try, especially the Brown Sugar Natural Bacon. Yum!

Better than the taste and delicious bacon recipes is knowing where it comes from. Knowing the meat is humanely raised with no antibiotics and no hormones makes me feel better about giving this to my family to enjoy.

How to connect: You can learn more at applegate.com. And be sure to check out their other recipes, like the one for French Onion Soup with Crispt Bacon Topping and Cheese Puffs with Natural Bacon.

Where to buy: Look for Applegate Bacon in your local grocery store. Check the website for one nearest you. (It looks like Kroger stores have it around me.)

Prize: 3 of you can win a coupon for a Free Applegate Bacon product to try for yourself.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 12/21. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Gorton's Seafood #Giveaway

Seafood in your kitchen...even if you don't live near an ocean. That's something we often miss out on in Ohio...fresh seafood. And that could be one of the big reasons that we enjoy vacationing near the ocean when we can. Gorton's makes some great seafood products that bring a little taste of that to your home.

The product: Gorton's is promoting a new "Eat Seafood Twice a Week" campaign. This recommendation comes from many health organizations, and Gorton's wants to encourage your family to partake. You can read more about the health benefits of seafood for yourself.

You can easily find a way to get seafood into your family's meal rotation by seeing all the tasty recipes on Gorton's Recipe Gallery. You can find things like appetizers of fish stick lettuce to family favorites, like marinara topped crunchy fillets. The possibilities are endless when you look at the wide range of seafood products from Gorton's, including 20 products that are 200 calories or less.

What we thought: I was really looking forward to trying Gorton's Grilled Seafood Roasted Garlic & Butter Grilled Tilapia. Unfortunately I couldn't find it at the local grocery store I went to. (I'm going to keep looking around for it, because I really want to try it.) Instead we got our stand-by favorite Gorton's Crispy Battered Fish Fillets. I don't do anything fancy with these. We just bake them and serve them with a side of tartar sauce and some vegetables. Yum! It's something that my whole family enjoys.

Where to buy: You can find Gorton's Seafood in your local grocery stores.

Prize: Gorton's is offering 3 of my readers a $2.00 coupon plus a limited-edition Gorton's Seafood plate remind you to Eat Seafood Twice a Week.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 12/22. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Holiday Gift Guide: Novica's Unique Gift Finder #Giveaway

Novica is a great place to shop for unique gift items. This year you can take advantage of their new Gift Finder. I looked up Unique Gifts for Her - Earrings and found these pretty Amethyst dangle earrings "Wisteria Garland".

For the eco-minded person in your life, how about this Soda-pop-top handbag "Twin Power"?

If you've never checked out Novica before, this is the perfect time. They have great gifts for everyone. Their store is full of items that were handmade by people all over the world. They not only make a great Christmas gift, but they make a very unique gift. You can be sure your loved one won't get this present twice.

Where to buy: Go to http://unique-gifts.novica.com/ to find your perfect gifts. Many items will ship in time for Christmas if ordered in the next week.

Prize: Novica is providing two $40 gift codes for you to try the Gift Finder for yourself. (I was going to use one code for myself, but since I'm pretty much done shopping I thought I'd pass it along to you dear readers!)

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 12/14. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*Disclaimer: Novica provided the gift codes. I received nothing in exchange for this review.*

Holiday Gift Guide: Stomp, Stomp, Stomp STOMPEEZ! #Giveaway (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!

Stomp, Stomp, Stomp STOMPEEZ! I'm sure you've seen the commercial. If not, your kids can probably tell you about it. Stompeez are the latest craze in children's slippers. You see them on television, you see them in stores, and at Christmas you'll probably see them on your kids' feet.

The product:

Stompeez Begins Christmas Stampede Early

Now under new management, maker of soft, animated character slippers steps up production efforts to meet this year’s holiday demand

Springville, Utah (PRWEB) October 10, 2012

Stompeez™ animated slippers skyrocketed in popularity last year during the holidays, thanks to the soft, playful characters kids wear on their feet for stomping fun. And while popularity is a good thing, it also overwhelmed the brand, which at that time was new. Now under new management, Stompeez has stepped up its production and distribution efforts to ensure it will be able to meet this year’s holiday demand with ease. The company works hard to create, promote and sell products that children and parents will love.

Changes have been made throughout the company and its processes to ensure customer satisfaction and on-time order fulfillment. Stompeez has also made physical improvements to the brand, with quality upgrades to ensure that each fluffy slipper is made with durable stitching and superior material.

As a way to further build consumer confidence, a new 60-day money-back guarantee backs up the quality and value of each pair sold. To learn more about the new and improved Stompeez, read “Stompeez Slippers Makes a Comeback” in the Carlsbad Patch.

Stompeez Theme Song & Commercial Rev Up Consumer Excitement

One factor behind the Stompeez popularity explosion has been its award-winning infomercial, created by Infomercials, Inc. The video showcases the animated slippers and the engaging playtime experience they provide.

“We’ve worked hard to maintain our reputation of promoting exceptional products and we are proud of our collaboration with Stompeez,” said Gary Sandberg, DRTV Campaign Management Director at Infomercials, Inc. “Stompeez is dedicated to meeting consumer demand by providing durable slippers, excellent customer service and on-time delivery.”

About Stompeez & Holiday Shipping
Stompeez™ stuffs fun and imagination into ordinary slippers for kids. These cute, soft, comfy slippers are a hit at slumber parties, as well as for just romping around the house. Stompeez are available in eight colorful animal characters that pop to life with each step. They come in sizes to fit kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. With the holidays approaching, Stompeez are affordable and unique gifts at $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Stompeez slippers are ready to ship with a guaranteed delivery date, including in time for the holidays. A new 60-day money-back guarantee also backs up the quality and value of each pair sold. Want to buy more than one pair of Stompeez? Customers who order two or more pairs at StompeezClub.com enjoy free same-location shipping on the additional pairs.

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What we thought: My son was so exited to pick out his very own pair of Stompeez. He, of course, has seen the commercial on TV and has already asked for these several times. They come in 8 different styles: All Blue Puppy, Unusual Unicorn, Growlin' Dragon, Perky Puppy, Be-Bop Bunny, Playful Puppy, Peek-a-Boo Kitty, and Sir One-Eyed Monster. And they all are made in Small, Medium and Large. The small will fit most children under 5 years old (size 5-11). The medium is size 11.5-4 and large is 5-9. There are varieties that both boys and girls will enjoy.

Zachariah chose the All Blue Puppy slippers. He wears a size 1 shoe, and we got them in medium. They fit very nicely with some room to grow too. He really likes the Stompeez. It's cute to watch him walk through the house with the little puppy ears flopping up and down while he walks.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Kids of all ages will adore these under the tree this year. Stompeez are a fun, practical gift. We often get our son slippers for Christmas, so he can use them all winter. And by the next year he's outgrown those. I think these will last a few years too. And your kids will be excited to open this gift!

Where to buy: You can find Stompeez on their website- http://www.stompeezclub.com. They are also available in stores and online.

How to connect: Learn more about Stompeez on their website. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Prize: One of you will win your own pair of Stompeez. Just in time for Christmas too!

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 12/10. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*