WhitePages Neighbors: Win $100 Cash & Host a BlockParty Giveaway 7/31: Closed

Congratulations to ...

Mari said...

I follow. I have organized a block party, when we welcomed our foster son to our home.

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

July 14, 2011 10:49 PM 

Mari has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered to special thanks to our sponsors at White Pages!

Community awareness and socialization can be key to the health of a neighborhood.  Before we rented our existing house, I asked the owner how the neighbors were and she confided that she never met them.  I think that's sad especially given the proximity of the houses to one another.  Back in the day of our parents, it was common to know and look out for each other which also made a neighborhood safer.  I hear about people having block parties but have never participated in one.  I also like the aspect of having a community you can rely on as who doesn't need friends?  With a new feature from WhitePages, you can organize a block party with their BlockParty organizer and it's FREE not to mention easy.

Direct from WhitePages, "Despite the fact that most American adults who have neighbors (93%) say it’s important for neighbors to look out for each other’s safety, a new survey conducted online in June 2011 by Harris Interactive on behalf of WhitePages found that more of them can identify most of their neighbors’ cars (47%) than most of their neighbors’ first names (41%) and that more of them (27%) know most of their neighbors’ pets more than most of their neighbors’ kids (24%). National Night Out is coming up on August 2nd, which 37 million People participated in last year. In partnership with National Night Out, WhitePages would like to help people plan even more block parties this year to help neighbors get to know each other (organize Neighborhood Watch programs, plan block parties, organize play dates, organize garage sales)."


I love this concept and think it's the perfect time to reach out to your neighbors!  The new WhitePages Neighbors products will allow you an aerial map of the location you enter along with U.S. household contact information.  For those that might be concerned about this data being available, you can opt to claim and edit your listing.

Did I mention that it's easy to use?  Just enter your address and click get started.  Once you are on the aerial map, you can claim your residence and edit how you desire.  Either create a WhitePages account or utilize your existing Facebook information for quicker access.  Then pick the neighbors you want, and an auto-send a first class postcard will be sent for FREE!  You can even view the RSVPs online.

NOTE:


Sunday is the last day you can get your Block Party invites out in time for a National Night Out Block Party on August 2nd. 

Here’s a how-to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXDRZwjF31A

__________________

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have ever organized a block party before.

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Add this giveaway to a linky (can be done up to five times on different linkys for two entries)

Giveaway ends 7/31 at midnight (mountain standard time) - US only please!

*Disclaimer:  I was provided the opportunity to host a giveaway.  I was not compensated for this post.

Wisharoo Park: Wish. Play. Learn. Review and Giveaway 7/31: Closed

Congratulations to ...


tamiv, ape2016, Tara Todd , jsc123m, Cynthia, BeautyToLove 

e-mails have been sent to each of the six winners who have 48 hours to respond before new winner(s) are selected.

Thanks for supporting my blog and Wisharoo Park!




Children and computers are as common as children with toys nowadays.  I don't mind my children playing on the computer because I think it gives them the skill sets they will need later to learn, develop and stay ahead or keep up with others.  The great thing about computers and the internet are the learning abilities and the fun they can have.  I love the concept of:  Wish.  Play.  Learn.  It's easy but concise as it's what being a child is about. They wish, they play and during both, they learn.  To have all three is a wonderful beginning in helping children expand on many fronts which is where Wisharoo Park comes in.


I received what I have seen as a beautiful chocolate gift baskets full of Wish Stars and a 2-disc DVD of Wisharoo Park.  Unfortunately, I live in the desert so the chocolate melted.  Rest assured, I was able to sample it even if it was melted and I could cry because it was yummy!  I was able to salvage a few of the cute whimsical Wish Star finger puppets so after cleaning those and the DVD up, we were ready to go Wish, Play and Learn!

  

Wisharoo Park is full of fun characters and a very happy host that reminded me of Heather Graham.  They incorporate songs into fun learning experiences and with children, they don't always know when they are being taught something so it makes it even more fun for parents.  Wisharoo Park is geared towards the preschool audience or around ages 3 to 6 although my 8 year old didn't mind watching it with her 4 year old sister.  It started on PBS and all 13 episodes are available on this 2-disc DVD set!  The other cool part is there is an online site (http://www.wisharoopark.com/) that provides so much for children:

• Games
• Videos
• Activities
• Park Pals
• Wish Story
• Story Time

For parents, there are tabs for parents only, what's new, about Wisharoo Park, community, store, press room and FAQ.  Parents will find that the Wisharoo Park series is a 'technology-based curriculum that helps children discover and understand their own personal strengths which promotes greater self-esteem and a positive self-image.'  These are vital to any person in my opinion from childhood to being an adult.

Here is a sample:

The Review:


Both my younger children (ages 4 and 8) and my grandchild (age 8 months) watched the DVDs a couple of times so far.  I think the two youngest enjoyed the colorful characters and the catchy songs.  They took turns with the Wish Star puppets and had a good time.  I myself, enjoyed the teaching aspect the most.  I don't rely on shows to teach but when the opportunity arises that the girls can watch something that is fun to them while teaching, I'll jump on that!  Too many shows don't teach so we don't watch much but with Wisharoo Park, I'm definitely alright with letting them watch it more.  It's catchy, it's fun and with all those wonderful characters, it's perfect for the kids.


Check out Wisharoo Park on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter!

The Giveaways - SIX!


Three Grand Prize packages each consisting of one Wisharoo Park DVD and six WishStars = a $40 value each plus Three Runner-up Prizes each consisting of three sets of six Wish Star finger puppets = a $20 value each = TOTAL VALUE OF GIVEAWAYS =  $180


To Enter:


Visit Wisharoo Park and sign up for the newsletter and follow my blog.


Extra Entries:

• Like Wisharoo Park on Facebook (you will also receive three free songs)
• Follow Wisharoo Park on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Enter this giveaway on a linky (enter link address on comment for two entries - can be done five times for two entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)

Giveaways end 7/31 at midnight (mountain standard time).  Winners will be selected via random.org.

US only please!

*Disclosure:  I received the above item(s) from a company for the purposes of this review and giveaway.  I was not paid in any other way. All opinions are 100% mine honest and true.

Boumy Genuine Leather Shoe Review & Special Discount

Did you know that orthopedic research suggests that fallen arches or flat feet is more of a western phenomena?  Scientists believe there is a relationship between flat feet and the wearing of traditional footwear found in the west.  I wasn't able to find any specific studies showing that but that is what Boumy has on their site.  I had never heard of Boumy so I wanted to try them out and provide my grand-daughter with a pair of shoes that were not only comfortable but safe.   


The concept behind Boumy Shoes is children when walking barefoot, learn to develop their toe gripping and arch muscle qualities.  By walking barefoot, they also learn the nerves of the foot since they can feel their own soles.  It makes sense to me since traditional walking shoes are constrictive and hard which would not allow much natural foot movement.  Boumy Shoes' features include:

• Protection for the feet
• Flexible, free movement
• Flat soled (no heel)
• Rough leather finish to help avoid slips and falls
• Hand made with soft leather for comfort
• Elastic ankle to avoid the shoe from slipping off

Boumy Shoes are available in boys and girls from ages 0 to 2 years and the ease of shopping is broken down by gender and collection:  Boumy Applique, Boumy Basic and Boumy Booties.

  

Another nice feature of Boumy is you can purchase up to four pairs of shoes at a flat rate of $6 to the US and $7 to Canada.  They also offer a 100% 21 day no questions asked return policy.

We received the Star Pink Boumy Basic shoes for girls.  They were soft due to the 100% leather and had the nice rough grip on the bottom to avoid slips.  The elastic ankle did deter the shoe from slipping off as nothing is worse then watching your child fall because the shoe fell off or you lost one.  Since my grand-daughter already loves walking barefoot, she took to the Boumy's naturally. 

 

Overall, she liked the shoes and so did her mother.  Priced at $32.  You can purchase online at Boumy and check out their Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest news.

About Boumy Brand:

Boumy was started by a creative mom of two in the Netherlands.  Anouk Henderson, in 1998, unable to find stylish yet comfortable slip on shoes for her two baby boys, set out to change that with the creation of Boumy shoes named after the nickname of her youngest.  After high success across Europe, the Boumy brand is available to those in the US.




Special Discount:


Don't forget to use coupon code MAB072011 for a 20% off total purchase!  Expires 7/31 and only one per customer!

*Disclosure:  This review was provided through MamaBuzz. The product was provided by Boumy Shoes for this review.

Our Crystal Light Flavor over Fizz Challenge

I've been a Crystal Light customer for some time and have to admit that I love the On the Go packs since it makes it so easy to carry and pour one in a bottle of water no matter where you are.  They are convenient, easy to use and mess-free.  I love that you can just tear the top away and pour in the container or glass and not need scissors.

We tried the amazing Strawberry Kiwi, threw in some crushed ice to help cool down that hot Texas sun and not only was it refreshing but it's so much better than soda!  The beauty with Crystal Light is you can change it up and have some amazing drinks.  If you are a big strawberry fan, blend in some fresh strawberries for a Margarita type taste without the calories and alcohol.

Crystal Light has so many refreshing flavors that it shouldn't be hard to turn away those sugary sodas.  From various flavored iced teas, fruit flavors like rasberry ice and strawberry to white grape and many more.  My daughter and I both drink Crystal Light and between the two of us on constant diets, this helps us to curb our calories and our carbohydrates.  It's also a great break from plain, boring water!


You can take the Crystal Light Flavor Over Fizz Challenge here.






*  Disclosure:  No monetary compensation was provided by Crystal Light or Glam Media for this post and the opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crystal Light.

Ten Reasons Why I Want to Visit Virgina Beach

Summer is here and so are family vacations.  It's a hard task in trying to figure where to go so that everyone will be happy and have a good time.  Planning a great vacation is also fun and the outcome can create a lifelong memory to behold.  I try to plan my vacations so that I'm not only giving me children a great time to remember but I'm also trying to teach them by example to take to their future kids.  I think many people think you have to go away to some exotic place to thoroughly enjoy and embark on something magical but the best things we have are sometimes in our back yard such as Virginia Beach.  From what my family and friends have told me, Virginia Beach is a memorable place full of fun and exciting things to do.  Here are my top 10 reasons why I want to visit:

• I've never vacationed in Virginia Beach so I feel it would make a great trip coupled with the history of the area.
• I would love to go sailing and Virginia Beach is ideal for this activity.
• I can't forget about the opportunity to camp.  What better way to build some memories and have some great family time?
• Healthy!  I can take the time to relax, try some yoga, go to the spa or visit the heritage store.  I'm all about being healthier this year.
• Sandcastles!  Did I mention sandcastles?  Oh my!  My girls love the sand and the water and would be in heaven just having some water and sand time.
• Shopping of course!  Who can go anywhere without shopping?  I'd be right there spending money!
• Oh the history!  I love history and in fact, I'm busy writing my first novel based on historical facts.  Some of my family even were in Virginia.
• No vacation is complete without the stop at the amusement park and with Busch Gardens, we're in luck as they have a nice little special for military families.
• Okay, can't leave an activity out for the husband so fishing it is.  Not only can he fish fresh water fish but the ocean is abound!
• It's in the United States so visiting will help the economy so that is high on my list for wanting to visit Virginia Beach.

Wherever you start to plan for this year's summer vacation, always remember the diamonds that are within reach.  I didn't know how much Virginia Beach had to offer until writing this post but it definitely looks like a place that could make every person in my family happy.  I would love to visit and take tons of pictures for the scrapbook.

*Disclosure:  I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

To Buy or Not to Buy: Crystal Light Mocktails?

Summer is here ladies and what are you drinking?  So many weight loss articles say watch what you consume as those calories can be plentiful in drinks alone.  It's so easy to suck down a milkshake or tons of soda when you are hot and the sun is beating down on you.  If you are a fan of Crystal Light as I am, you might be pleased to hear that now you have more flavors to enjoy with:

1. Mojito
2. Appletini
3. Margarita

These three new flavors will give you a new reason to love summer but wait....they are new but are limited edition so get yours quick to see if you are hooked.  As with the other flavors, Crystal Light Mocktails are available in multi-serve canisters with two quart packets so invite the girls over and have some fun watching Johnny Depp on TV or just gossiping.

Don't forget that they are just FIVE calories and ZERO carbs per 8 fl. oz. serving!

Check out Crystal Light here, on Twitter and on Facebook.


What's your favorite summertime drink and have you tried new Crystal Light Mocktails yet?




*Disclosure:  I was compensated for my time for sharing this information as part of the Crystal Light campaign hosted by One2One Network.  All opinions are my own.

100 Years of Skincare Celebration with Rihanna & Chance to Win

NIVEA and award-winning singer, Rihanna have teamed up to get #skin2skin in 2011. NIVEA and Rihanna have joined forces as part of the 100 Years of Skincare celebration and Rihanna's international LOUD tour.

Embracing NIVEA’s 100 year-long commitment to bringing loved ones closer through touch, the skincare brand is giving its fans the opportunity to see and possibly meet Rihanna. All you have to do is show how you get skin2skin with your loved ones on the new #skin2skin Photo Challenge App on the NIVEA USA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NIVEAUSA). 






HOW TO WIN
To enter, fans can upload their “skin2skin” photo to the #skin2skin Challenge app on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/mKAA0n. Once uploaded, fans can share their photo entry so friends can comment and “like” for a better chance of winning daily and weekly prizes. Submissions for the European Adventure close on August 8th, 2011. The voting period for the grand prize to Europe runs from August 11 - August 25, 2011.

Those who need some skin2skin inspiration can check out submissions here.


PRIZES
There are daily prize pack giveaways of samples and full sized NIVEA products, coupons and gear. Concert ticket giveaways started June 23rd, 2011 - the first of which was over the 4th of July weekend where a lucky NIVEA Facebook fan saw Rihanna's concert during her LOUD tour stop in Las Vegas (see photos here). NIVEA will continue to give away tickets to several US tour stops and one lucky fan will fly to NY to meet Rihanna. In addition, there is a grand prize trip for two to see Rihanna perform at one of her European LOUD tour stops! The grand prize winner will be selected at the end of the voting period based on weighted averages of votes and comments. View details here (link: http://on.fb.me/mKAA0n).

Anyone Try Body by Jake Tower 200?

Anyone try the Body by Jake Tower 200?  My husband is wanting to try it because a buddy in Kuwait said it's the ultimate workout without having a gym.  I worry most about how sturdy it is and assume it's based on the hardware of the door.  We have a double French door and not sure it will hold up and since we are renting, not too keen on damaging a door.  I did read the reviews and overall, it received decent reviews and no one else had too harsh reviews on the sturdiness.

I was thinking of getting it for him for his birthday since he left his Bowflex behind when we moved hoping to try out this.  It's on sale through Amazon but I also want to ensure it's a good product.


   

Frigidaire's Accessories $30 GC Giveaway 7/24: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

My So Called Homeschool Life said...

I follow your blog. Never heard of their Accessory store before!

July 15, 2011 11:06 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

If you have a Frigidaire, this is the store for you!  From kitchen to laundry to air conditioners and outdoor kitchens to grills and more, they have you covered.  One of the things that I noticed when I entered the site is a very cool program for water filter replacements.  You can sign up for an auto filter program so you don't have to run out and not have one when that little red light (or whatever alerts you) is on.  This is a big one for me as I always forget.  I had no idea that Frigidaire had an accessory store and that other features include:

• Free regular shipping on all Frigidaire refrigerator water filter orders
• Toll free number to contact
• Parts and accessories for your Frigidaire appliances

Here are some of the items you can purchase:

  

The Giveaway:

One reader will win a $30 gift card to purchase from the Frigidaire accessory store (tax and shipping are not included).

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you had heard of the Frigidaire accessory store before.

Extra Entries:

• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done once a day for two entries
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five entries
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook

Giveaway ends 7/24 (midnight - mountain standard time) - US only please

Full Year of Parents Magazine for $4!

Only 33 cents an issue, you can get Parents magazine for only $4 for an entire year!


Just click on the link and use code:   PX0408

Piperlime’s Zoe Cute! Contest Starts Today

Piperlime’s Zoe Cute! Contest Starts Today

Piperlime has partnered with 7 For All Mankind to create this one of a kind

Zoe adorable baby gift for their guest editor Rachel Zoe.

Well…two of a kind.  They created one more for a lucky contest winner!

It is easy…know a supermom who juggles it all and still manages to look amazing?

Visit the Piperlime Blog today through Sunday, July 10^th and tell us about her stylish ways (or nominate your deserving self).

The best story will win this exclusive 7 For All Mankind baby outfit…the same one we gifted Rachel Zoe and her dapper little bundle of joy.  They’ll also award that stylish mom with her own pair of 7 For All Mankind denim – she deserves it!

Please Save & Send Pepsi Power Vote Codes

My eight year old is running for a Pepsi Grant next month and we need those Pepsi Power Vote Codes in specially marked bottles and cases.

Here is what they look like:

Please send those to us all of July and August so she can help her Angels4Epilepsy, Inc., provide gift cards to low income children to purchase USB medical alert bracelets.

Thank you!

Nutra Planet Fitness Swag Giveaway 7/30

Have you heard of Bookieboo?  She's the fierce leader of a group of moms on a journey to get in shape over at Mamavation.  She had led this group for nearly two years on a path of losing weight, motivating one another and getting healthier.  She's now partnering with Nutra Planet in this great Nutra Planet Fitness Swag Giveaway and you can win too!

One of the products they sell is OxyELITE Pro which I have tried and like it.  I feel it helped me lose the 16 pounds I lost between May and June.

Just click here to enter!




I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by OxyElite Pro at Nutraplanet  at Mamavation! I want to win the Nike Watch! Enter to win here!

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Multi-Action Skincare+Make Up Beauty Balm

Skin care products based on no-fragrance, no-colorant and non-alcohol is appealing to me as it's something that I prefer.  Dr. Jart+ is a product line created by a Korean doctor with the J in Jart being the founder's initial followed by the word "art."  Dr. Jart+ utilizes scientific and bionic studies to create a line with the slogan of "Doctor Makes the Difference."  Dr. Jart+ claims to be safe for men and women of all ages and people with troubled/sensitive skin.  No artificial ingredients or unnecessary additives are used.  You can click here to see the certifications and awards received.

I received a complimentary Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Multi-Action Skincare and Make-Up for the purposes of this review.  Since I just moved to Texas, we have a pool so protecting my skin is critical.  Having a light weight make up to protect my skin while not leaving a heavy feel of make up is ideal.  It's been averaging 100 every day and nothing is worse then to feel a thick, sticky base make up on your face.  I like that the make up goes on smooth, provides coverage and give me an SPF of 25.  Other features:

• Oil free hydrating moisturizer
• Hyaluronic water based technology
• Sunscreen plus aloe
• Corrects while it protects (per box)

The bottles are sleek and appealing to those that want to feel they are getting a trendy product.  The price is comparative to many other similar products but since it combines coverage, protection and treatment, I feel it's a great deal.  It provided the coverage to smooth my uneven skin tone while covering my blemishes.  I haven't used it enough to notice any corrective properties but I do like what I have seen so far.

You can purchase Dr. Jart+ at Sephora here.

  

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary product for the purposes of this review.  The opinions are of my own.

Bee-a-Thon 2011 - Help the Bees While Having Fun!

On July 16, bee counters across the nation are hosting “backyard bee parties” and other garden events as they celebrate Bee-a-thon 2011, the first-ever online “town hall” event dedicated to our pollinators and broadcasting live to worldwide audiences from 9 am to 9 pm US-Pacific Time.  I'm writing you to see if you will help spread the word, through your network, friends and family, about this free grassroots event to help raise awareness around the plight of our disappearing native bees.

Bee-a-thon 2011 is a fun, interactive family-friendly event featuring top experts in science, conservation, youth engagement and education.  People can tune-in to Bee-a-thon anytime throughout the day from living rooms, gardens, mobile devices and “backyard bee parties” all over the world, to listen in and ask questions in real time.

Bee curious, bee aware, bee a good neighbor

Here are three ways you can spread the buzz and help the bees:

1 - Put a bee-counting widget on your blog if you have one. The "bee-o-meter" tracks the populations of honeybees across the country.  You can click on it to find the number of bees in your zip code.  Their goal for 2011 is to have one bee counter in each of the 43,000 U.S. zip codes. Supporting blogs and organizations will have their logo, name and a link back to their site placed on the YourGardenShow.com website. To get your "bee-o-meter,"   visit: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/news51.

2 - Forward this email to your network of readers, friends and family.  Invite them to RSVP for the Bee-a-thon here: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/bee-a-thon.

3 - Host a "backyard bee party" or other "rooftop" event.  Rally your friends and join Bee-a-thon for a day of engagement and celebration.  Downloads and other resources are available here: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/bee-a-thon.

Bee-a-thon 2011 is hosted by YourGardenShow.com to kick-off the Great Bee Count, a national Citizen Science campaign to count bees across North America and help shape bee conservation efforts.  To find out more about the Great Bee Count with The Great Sunflower Project, visit: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/citizen-science/great-sunflower-project.

The event is free and open to all.  We hope to see you there!