Build-A-Bear Workshop Review and $25 GC Giveaway 12/6: WINNER CLOSED

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Operation Sweet Dreams said...

I am a follower :)

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Thanks to all those who entered!

I don't think there is a child around that doesn't like Build-A-Bear Workshop.   I think most parents do as well because it's such a great experience for your family to experience and the environment is just magical.  It's always been one of my favorites not only from the expanded selection of animals but also the people who work there.  They are such happy wonderful people to spend day in making smiles on the faces of so many children.  We received a complimentary gift card to experience some of the magic this weekend from Build-A-Bear Workshop.

We were there as soon as the store opened and couldn't wait.  The girls were excited to make Clarise as they made Rudolph last year.  What I liked about the store was we were greeted by the beautiful Christmas displays adding to the magical spirit of the holidays approaching.  

  

The holiday line brings back memories since it includes:

• Rudolph
• Clarice
• Abominable Snow Monster
• Spotted Elephant
• Charlie-in-the-Box
• Misfit Doll

 

The girls picked up Clarice and were ready to go!  Our bear helper was so nice, friendly and cheerful that the girls naturally gravitated towards her.  She was patient with them and just added to the wonderful experience we had making our Clarices.

For an extra purchase of $6, children can add the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer song.  By pressing her ear, Clarice also has a heart that lights up and has cute sayings.  Although we didn't purchase any of the adorable Christmas outfits, we did purchase the jingle bell collars as they were so cute and were only $4.

   

After they made their Clarice's, it was off to wash them and dress them which is yet another highlight of the experience.  The displays around the store are perfect as they don't crowd the walk way and they are appealing in that the children get to see how the outfits look on select model bears and animals.  They did a beautiful job with all of them.

  

Build-A-Bear Workshop was another great experience for my girls and I was even able to pick up a gift card for my new grand baby so her parents can give her a first Christmas experience to cherish.  There are so many wonderful aspects of Build-A-Bear Workshop that will always keep us coming back.  

Here are some specials going on right now:

• Join Build-A-Bear Workshop on Facebook to stay up to date on the most current promotions and receive exlusive offers.
• Shop with Build-A-Bear Workshop from November 12 - 24 and receive a free stocking with a purchase of $30 or more.  This is a cute stocking and since we went well over the price of $30, the girls are loving theirs!
• During November, you can contribute $1 at checkout in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores or online at buildabear.com to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  We donated as having a brother with Type 1, juvenile diabetes is special to me.
• Shop at http://www.buildabear.com Thanksgiving Day and CyBear Monday for beary exclusive offers.
• Starting November 25 through December 25, visit buildabearville.com and check out the North Pole!  Your child can play new games, get free virtual gifts and more!
• Build-A-Bear Workshop is once again partnering with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct toy drives in all of it's United States stores the weekend of December 3 - 6.  Guests will also be invited to add a $1 donation to support the Toys for Tots program when they check out or online at buildabear.com.

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The Giveaway:  

One lucky reader will win a $25 Gift Card from Build-A-Bear Workshop.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which is your favorite Build-A-Bear Workshop animal.

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Enter any of my on-going giveaway (five entries)

Giveaway ends 12/6 at midnight (EST) - Winner chosen via random.org

US only please

*Disclosure:  The product I reviewed and am providing via a giveaway were provided to me at no cost from Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Saint Francis Couture Gift Guide

Saint Francis Couture designs and manufactures high fashion, animal friendly shoes, accessories, and they are now introducing apparel.  The company's founder and designer is Tere Albanese.  Tere is a vegetarian who eats nothing with a face or heart and refuses to wear anything made from animals.  She is a former hair stylist and high school English teacher.  "I thought the world needed some high fashion, moderately priced, comfortable, but sexy, shoes and accessories that were cruelty free," said Tere.  "So I started drawing.  Saint Francis must have helped me because I had no idea how to draw."  The company is named after Saint Francis, who is the patron saint of animals.  Her first line is the Africa Collection, which honors African Wildlife.  This month's featured product is the Africa Sandal 3" Heel.  This sexy sandal will turn heads, but the way it feels you’ll think you were wearing flip-flops.  6 - 12 in whole and half sizes.

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Africa Pump 3” Heel

$42.00
Buy Here

This provocative pump will get you noticed, but the way it feels you'll think you are wearing running shoes.

• Rounded toe for comfort.
• Fabulous with dresses and skirts of any length, and just as fabulous with pants or jeans.
• Made with Cruelty-Free Pleather.
• Rubber sole for quiet, comfortable walking.
• Ankle strap with changeable laces.
• 3" heel, which is sexy, but all-day wearable.

*Note - Shoes run a bit small.  It is recommended that you order 1/2 size bigger than you would normally wear.

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Africa Big Bag

$85.00
Buy Here

This is your weekender/carry-on bag. Big enough to fit everything you need for the weekend. The only other bag you'll need is your Africa Clutch Bag.

• Made with Cruelty-Free Pleather. Side pockets with turn-key closures for securely holding your key and boarding pass.
• Adorned with Saint Francis Couture Signature Noah's Arc Logo with Swarovski Crystal Accent.
• 19" Wide X 12" Tall X 6 1/2 " Deep
• Removable/Adjustable Shoulder Strap goes from 24" to 48"

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Africa Accent Scarf - Black Leopard/Brown Leopard

$10.00
Buy Here

A scarf can really make your outfit. Pictured here on a black hat, the Black Leopard Scarf is the perfect compliment to the Africa Collection Shoes, Bags and Belt.
Black Leopard, Brown Leopard
Oblong - 58" x 12"

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Canadian Crystal Collection N-152

$38.00
Buy Here

Our new Canadian Crystal Collection, is actually mined in Canada.  Each piece is beveled and polished to a high gloss shine.   The beveled stone catches the light to ignite sparkle and shine as you move.  Elegantly shaped Black Drop Crystal Pendant,  accented with clear crystal stone in the center and decorative chain enhancer.

Chain is included
Colors: Black Only

Shown here with our Black Drop Crystal Stud Earings.
Style # N-E-200

Click here for more great gift ideas from Saint Francis Couture

Other:

• Free shipping on orders over $100
• Special 20% off first order with code hbfc
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Twitter
• Sign up for Saint Francis Couture’s newsletter

New England Coffee Gift Guide

New England Coffee is owned and operated by a third generation of the Kaloyanides and Dostou families and has been providing quality and service for over 90 years. Our beliefs in the highest standards of customer service and product quality have been passed on in the true tradition of family business.

In the early years, we were located in a building at the corner of Milk and Broad Streets in Boston, where hand-roasted coffee was delivered by horse and wagon. Our first truck was purchased in 1918 and other family members started to join the business. In 1966, after outgrowing several homes in succession, we finally settled into our present location at 100 Charles Street in Malden, Massachusetts.

Today we occupy five buildings and have hugely expanded our manufacturing and packaging capabilities. While we've grown to become New England's largest independent coffee roaster, our philosophy and goal are still the same - to buy and sell premium coffee and provide the best service possible.

Our methods are not cutting edge. In fact, they're antiquated by most people's standards. And we wouldn't change a thing. It's the only way we know how to make sure that you'll always enjoy a consistently great cup of coffee.

As fine coffee becomes more and more integral to the American way of life, we will continue to indulge you with our consistent tradition of good taste.

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Dark Roast Selects Gift Basket 

$19.99
Buy Here

All 3 of our freshly ground Dark Roast Coffees are packed neatly in this basket. 1 Colombian Supremo Dark Roast, 1 San Francisco Blend & 1 French Roast. It's the perfect gift for the dark roast coffee drinker!

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Let's Get Together Gift Basket 

$44.99
Buy Here

This basket includes: 2 bags of freshly ground coffee, 1 box of New England Tea, 12 variety packets of Land O'Lakes Cocoa Mix, 2 packages of Walkers Shortbread Cookies, 2 Signature Stoneware mugs, 1 New England Coffee Peppermints Tin, and 9 pieces of Lindt Lindor Truffles. *Baskets may change with comparable items.

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Pumpkin Gift Pack 

$15.99
Buy Here

This gift pack features: 1 retail ground bag of Pumpkin Spice Coffee & two Signature Stoneware Mugs. It's the perfect pack to share!

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Peppermints 

$1.99
Buy Here

This embossed peppermint tin holds peppermints to freshen your breath after you've had your morning java.

For more great gift ideas from New England Coffee, click here.

Other:

• Follow New England Coffee on Facebook
• Sign up for New England e-Newsletter
• Click here for special offers

Community Coffee Gift Idea

Coffee makes the perfect gift at Christmas time for those die hard coffee fans.  With the great variety available, there is sure to be a blend that appeals to your special someone.

History

For four generations, the Saurage family of Louisiana has owned and operated Community Coffee Company. In 1919, Henry Norman "Cap" Saurage discovered the secret of making this great-tasting coffee in his country store in Dixie, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge. He named his coffee "Community" in honor of his community of friends. In 1924, he closed the store and converted his backyard barn into a coffee mill, using coffee beans purchased from a local roaster. In 1941, Cap's son H. Norman Saurage Jr. purchased the company's first coffee roaster, having decided that Community should roast its own coffee to ensure quality at every step. A roasting plant was built in Baton Rouge in 1946.

Over the years, Community Coffee Company would take countless steps to ensure the quality of its product. In 1955, the company began importing green coffee beans directly from coffee plantations in Brazil. In 1970, a new plant was built on the Mississippi River in Port Allen, Louisiana. In 1980, Community introduced the nation's first vacuum-sealed coffee package.

The first CC's Community Coffee House opened on the corner of Jefferson and Magazine Street in New Orleans in 1995. Dozens more opened during the 10 years that followed.

It's been more than 90 years since Cap Saurage founded Community Coffee Company, but our mission has never changed – to share our passion for great coffee with our customers.

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Founders Blend Set

$24.95
Buy Here

Treat a loved one or yourself to a 12-oz. bag of our limited edition Founder’s Blend Gourmet coffee, a signature coffee scoop and a premium travel tumbler, which comes wrapped in a gift basket.

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Hand Woven Holiday Gourmet Gift Basket

$44.95
Buy Here

Surprise a coffee lover this holiday season with this limited edition, hand woven gourmet gift basket. Each basket includes a 12 oz. Private Reserve® House Blend ground coffee, a 34 oz. Chambord French Press, along with a Community® Coffee signature coffee scoop. Everything comes nested in a one-of-a-kind basket made from Hiraca Palm, indigenous to the Colombian region.

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The Official Brewer of Community Coffee Company

Bunn Phase Brew™ Set

$99.00
Buy Here

Have you heard of the three T's of coffee brewing - time, temperature and turbulence? The 8 cup Bunn Phase Brew™ uses revolutionary Heat and Release Technology that heats the water to the right temperature, then quickly releases it through the unique sprayhead for an optimal 4-minute brewing phase, and amazing coffee flavor! Includes five 12oz. ground coffees: Café Special®, Five Star Hotel Blend, Colombia Classico, Breakfast Blend, Dark Roast PLUS two premium tumblers, filters and red logo scoop.

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Private Reserve Holiday Duo

$13.95
Buy Here

Our delicious duo features 12-oz. ground Holiday Jazz® and Bread Pudding coffees from our Private Reserve line which arrive in a festive holiday box with gift card.

For more great gift ideas, visit Community Coffee.

Follow on Twitter

Find Community Coffee on Facebook

Sign up for Community Coffee’s Newsletter

Other Offers:

• Refer a friend to receive a one time special coupon
• Free UPS ground shipping on orders over $40 every day
• 20% off gift sets with code GIFTSET
• Join the coffee club and save 10%
• Special Military Match program for those overseas serving in the military

Gummy Lump Toys: Log Carrier Wooden Toy Set Review

Kids toys are so much fun as are the timeless wooden toys that are making a return to the shelves.  Wooden toys are nice in that they don't require batteries, allow kid's imagination to dream up more fun and they are durable.    This adorable Log Carrier Wooden Toy Set is made by Melissa & Doug which are known for great toys with great quality.

My girls loved this truck and the fact that the logs come off, provided even more fun and enjoyment.  They seem to like the classic toys such as this and I like how it stimulates the imagination, encourages  fine motor and language development.  I highly recommend this toy for either boys or girls.  The quality and workmanship are very nice and the durability makes it even better.

Gummy Lump has a huge selection of toys and the categories to search makes it so much easier:

• Featured
• Shop by Age
• Shop by Category
• Shop by Brand

Stay up to date with Gummy Lump toys by following them on Twitter and "liking" them on Facebook.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and the Tomoson weekly featured sponsor Favorite Wigs - Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Forever Young Wigs, and other Quality Wigs. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Old El Paso Family Taco Night Review & Giveaway 12/6 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

joder said...

I entered the $25 GC of Choice giveaway.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

November 16, 2010 5:15 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner has been selected.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Family fun nights are fun times in our house.  We capitalize off the ability to have our kids loving the concept of either purchasing the latest new movie or watching one that we haven't seen or playing games.  With our family fun nights, we also plan a dinner that we can all help to make.  This is where Old El Paso is a fun way to start the evening off right.  My kids are picky eaters but they love tacos and the one brand we always buy is Old El Paso not to mention our local Publix always has it on their Buy One/Get One offers.

When I was presented the opportunity through my participation with MyBlogSpark, I couldn't resist knowing how they love their dinner kits.  This is one of the things that I like about the Old El Paso line of products as they carry everything we need to make a fiesta night of eating.  The refried beans, salsa, seasonings and the variety of meal kits always assures a night of good food.  Having a Family Taco Night not only brings your family together but it also teaches them valuable skills for later in life like cooking and team work.

Here is one recipe we tried with our kit we received:

Double Layer Tacos - It was the best of both worlds with hard and soft shells and it only takes 40 minutes to fix.

Old El Paso even provides a downloadable game information to play El Tacodor to add some extra fun at the dinner table.

Don't forget those box tops for school either as Old El Paso is a supporter of that which is another bonus to purchase in our family!

For more great tips, recipes and more, visit Old El Paso here.

Don't forget to Like Old El Paso on Facebook for news and more!

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The Giveaway:

One reader will win the Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase your taco fixings.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and let me know if you celebrate a particular family fun night with your family.


Extra Entries (optional):

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries each day)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Enter any of my on-going giveaways (five entries)

BONUS:  Click here to visit MyBlogSpark for a downloadable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products.


Giveaway ends at midnight on 12/6 (EST) - US only please




Old El Paso provided me with the products, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark.