Showing posts with label giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaways. Show all posts

Giveaway: HOP on DVD and Nintendo DS

Monday, March 26, 2012

 *This giveaway has ended* Congratulations to Laura H. And Heather R.

Now that the weather is getting warmer we're gearing up to start our movies on the lawn again. Buying the inflatable movie screen was one of the best decisions we've made. Wt try to host Front Lawn Movie Night (FLMN) at least once a month. Everyone brings their own lawn chair and blankets. The kids usually watch from their sleeping bags. We pop fresh corn in the popcorn machine and offer a variety of seasoning shakers. FLMN has been a great way to get to know our neighbors and has made for some really low maintenance parties.

A few days ago Phil and I were talking about hosting a show and I mentioned that I wish we had a copy of Hop since Easter is coming. Low and behold, the next day I opened my email and there was an offer from Universal! Some things are just meant to be.

I enjoyed the movie and I think Tyler and the neighbors will, too. It's from the same team as Despicable Me and The Lorax. They work really well together and it shows in their films. HOP has a great cast, the CG and live action works well together and it's a film adults can watch with their kids.






Win it!

Two (2) winners will receive:
*One HOP Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)
*One HOP Nintendo DS Game


 
To enter:
1. Leave a comment below (mandatory). Please leave accurate contact information. Entries with no information will be deleted.
2. Winners chosen at random.
3. Share the contest however you wish (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and leave a separate comment with the permalink to your share (optional entry).
Please use this link to the post in your share:
http://bit.ly/HOPGiveaway
4. Contest runs today (3/26) through Sunday, 4/1 at 11pm CA time.
5. Winners have until 11pm CA time Monday 4/2 to respond or alternates will be chosen.
6. Winners will be announced on this post. 
7. Prizes will be shipped by the PR firm. MelADramaticMommy.com is not responsible for lost prizes.
8. Open to US only.

Fine print:
Total of two ways to enter. Pack valued $69.97 each. Giveaway open to US mailing addresses only. Giveaway courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Visit the official HOP website for movie reviews, a sneak peek at the new mini movie DVD extra and a list of bonus features.

Winners:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
27
12
Timestamp: 2012-04-02 15:52:51 UTC


* I was provided my own review copies for this giveaway
Editor's note: I deleted one of the comments below but not until after the winners were chosen. The deleted comment was not the winning one. I removed it because the person included their phone number!

The Lorax Ticket Giveaway | San Diego Premiere

Monday, February 13, 2012

This ticket giveaway is for San Diego residents only. *   Contest has ended, winner announced.


If you liked Despicable Me, you'll love The Lorax. The same creative team behind Despicable reunited to work their magic and turn Dr. Seuss' iconic book into a 3D-CG feast for the eyes.

The movie is about Ted, his crush on Audrey and how his desire to make her happy leads him to the Once-ler and the story of Truffula Valley and Thneeds.

Danny DeVito is perfect as the voice of The Lorax. Zac Efron is Ted, Taylor Swift is Audrey, Betty White is Ted's grandmother, Ed Helms is the Once-ler and Rob Riggle plays the villain of Thneedville, Mr. O'Hare.


I think they did a great job tuning the book into a feature length film. I also think they used the 3D really well. This a really good film for the whole family. I'll have interviews with the cast coming soon. Find out more about the movie and play games at www.theloraxmovie.com.

Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win a family four pack of tickets to an advanced screening of DR SEUSS’ THE LORAX on February 25th.

A Hoppy Easter Giveaway

Monday, April 11, 2011

***Contest closed***

When we checked into our rooms for the Hop screening, there was a gorgeous basket waiting for us. It's full of goodies perfect for an Easter basket: coloring books, bath gels, lip balms, candy, drumsticks, a Pink Bunny beret and a stuffed EB, Pink Bunny and a chick. It's all adorable! But, Tyler has decided it's "too young" for him so I want to share the wealth with you.

Enter to win a basket full of Hop goodies!


1. Have you seen Hop yet? What did you think? If not, what do you put in your children's Easter baskets? Leave a comment below. This is required.

2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

3. Comments will close on Sunday, April 17th at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and Twitter.

5. For two bonus entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or post about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free Twitter account.


6. Because of the timeliness, if the notified winner has not responded within 24 hours a new winner will be chosen.

7. You do not have to follow or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry. Tweet only once per day. Leave one comment for each entry. Here is the URL to this post: http://bit.ly/HOPBasket

8. The contest is open to US entrants only.


9. NOTE: Some of the items in the basket may not be suitable for small children (candy, bath items, lip balms).

Disclaimer: The items in the basket are part of the giveaway but not the basket itself. Universal provided the contents as well as my lodging and incidentals for the junket. They are not part of this giveaway. I am shipping the items to the winner on my own. 

Congratulations, Laural!

My Ode to Coffee {Smart and Final Ambience Giveaway}

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

This sponsored post and giveaway are inspired by my sampling of the new Ambiance line of coffee by Smart and Final. *Contest is now Closed - Congrats to #27, Kalea!*
"Over second and third cups flow matters of high finance, high state, common gossip and low comedy. Coffee is a social binder, a warmer of tongues, a soberer of minds, a stimulant of wit, a foiler of sleep if you want it so. From roadside mugs to the classic demi-tasse, it is the perfect democrat."            ~Author Unknown
I'm sure you're all dying to know how I feel about coffee. You could skip straight to the bottom for the gift card giveaway, but you'd be missing out on a chance to get to know me better!

I didn't start drinking coffee until I was in college. I've always liked the smell of the beans and a fresh brewed pot, but before I went away to school I couldn't take the taste. Even when I started drinking it, it wasn't really because I wanted a cup of coffee. It started, like most people I knew, as a tool for cram sessions or a way to wake up after a long night of partying, er, studying.

Before I learned to appreciate the taste and recognize a bad cup of coffee, I drank mine like Clarence, a character in one of the best movies ever made.* "It's not a good cup of coffee unless the spoon stands up." The sugar to liquid ratio was totally skewed toward sugar. My teeth feel gritty just thinking about it.

I've become a bit of a coffee snob in my old age. We prefer to grind our own beans, only drink flavored coffee and always have an assortment of creamers and half and half in the fridge. Also? I don't mix flavors. If my coffee flavor is creme brulee, the creamer has to be, too. French Vanilla and Hazelnut do not go together and never shall the two mix in my mug.

Speaking of mugs, I have two favorites. There's my everyday mug that I went to several Starbucks to find, and my Copco travel mug. I don't let anyone use them so don't even ask.

Coffee Break! from Flickr via Wylio
© 2011 LenDog64, Flickr | CC-BY-ND | via Wylio

Does anyone remember that TV show from the early '90's Grace Under Fire? In one episode, Grace's neighbor, Nadine, got into a fight with her husband Wade over how she takes her coffee. "Doesn't he know I like my coffee taupe?!" That's me. I can't drink my coffee unless it's a certain shade of taupe.

I also have pretty specific tastes when I go out for coffee. Most people stop offering to go on a coffee run when I'm around because I will hand you my drink order on a Post It note. Yes, I am that person.

I may have gotten a late start, but now coffee is a big part of my life. I usually start my day with it. I've had meetings over a cup. I've made new friends, reconnected with old friends, caught up on life, laughed, had serious discussions and read great books with a cup of coffee nearby.

I love my coffee. I need my coffee. I crave coffee. I have driven out of my way for coffee. Coffee!!!!!!

Ahem.

I've told you my coffee quirks, now you tell me yours. I have a pretty cool prize up for grabs. Smart and Final wants you to get addicted to enjoy their new Ambiance coffee. 


You'll get the same gift basket I was given with a sampling of their 6 flavors AND a $150 gift card. $150 goes a long way at Smart and Final (more on that later). So how do you win? Easy:

Prize: One winner will receive an Ambiance coffee product gift basket and $150 Smart & Final gift card.

Rules/ways to enter:
1. Comment here with your favorite coffee moment, quirk or your beverage of choice.

2. You can earn extra entries for tweeting about this giveaway and using the #MyAmbianceMoment hashtag. Leave a comment with a link to your daily tweet (one tweet/extra entry per day).

3. Post the contest on Facebook and leave a link.

4. You don't have to follow me, friend me or Smart and Final to win. There are 14 other bloggers doing the same giveaway and all links are being Tweeted and posted on the Smart and Final Facebook page.

Sample text: "Enter to win an Ambiance Coffee gift pack and $150 gift card from @smartfinal http://bit.ly/SFSmartiesAmbience #MyAmbianceMoment Pls RT!"

5. You know the drill, no contact info, no entry.

6. I'll post the winner here and on Twitter after I've used Random.org.

7. Winner has 24 hours to respond or I'll choose another.

Deadline: Tuesday February 8th, midnight PST.

Good luck!

*If you can tell me what movie that line is from you'll be my new BFF.

Baking with PURE DARK Chocolate {+Giveaway}

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

*Closed - Congratulations Amber!*

I don't consider myself a great cook but I'm an awesome baker (toot toot!) Right before the holidays, I got an offer I couldn't refuse. Would I like to review a few items from PURE DARK's line of artisanal chocolates that can be used for baking? Why, yes. Yes I would!


The chocolates arrived in the mail and the smell when I opened the box was divine. PURE DARK's motto is "chocolates harvested from nature" and from the taste I could see why. PURE DARK is hand made. They offer exotic flavors like  cardamom allspice, chocolate dipped fruits and barks with fruits and nuts.

PURE DARK varies the intensity of their chocolates with three different levels of cocoa; Striking (60% cocoa), Serious (70%) and Stunning (80%). I really liked that the chocolates weren't grainy the way some dark chocolates can be. Every piece I tried was smooth.

The slabs and rounds are perfect for baking. Right now I'm obsessed with salted caramel. I think I drooled a little over this recipe that came with my chocolate samples. The recipe uses PURE DARK slabs, caramelized cocoa nibs and sea salt rounds.

(also posted in Google Docs for easy printing, click link above)

CARAMEL INGREDIENTS:
½ cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. of water
½ cup heavy cream
¼ tsp. sea salt
tsp. pure vanilla extract

CARAMEL DIRECTIONS:
In a heavy bottom sauce pan combine water and sugar and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Stir mixture until sugar is completely dissolved.

Increase heat and allow liquid to boil until it becomes a caramel brown. Do not stir to prevent liquid from crystallizing. If crystals form on sides of pan, dip a pastry brush in water and brush down the sides.

When liquid is caramel brown, remove from heat and pour in heavy cream. The caramel will bubble and may seize up.

Return to medium heat and allow caramel to re-melt.

Add vanilla and sea salt.

Remove from heat, transfer to a small metal mixing bowl and cool.

*Caramel can be stored, covered and refrigerated for 5 days.

BROWNIE INGREDIENTS:
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
¾ cup premium quality cocoa powder
½ tsp. sea salt
½ cup PURE DARK™ Caramelized Cocoa Nibs
1/3 cup PURE DARK™ sea salt rounds broken in small pieces
2 Tbsp. PURE DARK™ Slab grated or shaved
Non-stick cooking spray

BROWNIE DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder and sea salt, set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar till smooth.

Add eggs and vanilla extract.

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Add PURE DARK™ Caramelized Nibs and PURE DARK™ Sea Salt Rounds. Mix until evenly distributed in batter.

Spread batter in pan and bake for 45 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

FOR SERVING:
Place individual brownies on small dessert plates and drizzle with Sea Salt Caramel. Serve with a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream and top with shaved PURE DARK™ Slab.

Recipe created exclusively for PURE DARK™ by Chef Samara Salisbury

The recipe is a little time consuming but I bet it's insanely good! Now for the best part: I get to share PURE DARK with you! (Make sure to read all the way to the bottom)

Giveaway: One winner will receive a $20 gift card to shop PURE DARK!

To enter:

1. Visit PURE DARK, come back here and tell me what you'll buy with your certificate or what other recipe you'd like to try. This is required.

2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

3. Comments will close on Tuesday, January 11th at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and Twitter.

5. For two bonus entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free Twitter account.


6. If the notified winner has not responded within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

7. You do not have to follow or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry. Here is the URL to this post: http://bit.ly/PureDarkBaking

8. The contest is open to US entrants only.

I invited friend and fellow blogger Nic of 2 Hot Bloggers and A Bottle of Wine to come over and taste test with me and show me how to pair chocolate and wine. I'm determined to find a wine I like and figured pairing it with chocolate was a good way to start! We vlogged our tasting session for San Diego MOMfia. She also posted a recipe and is hosting her own PURE DARK giveaway. You've got two chances to win!

PURE DARK chocolates are sold in specialty shops and through their online store. Thank you PURE DARK for the opportunity to try your fabulous chocolates and for providing the gift card for the giveaway!

Give the Gift of Reading {Scholastic Giveaway}

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

*CLOSED Congratulations Cindi!*

Phil and I both love to read. We wanted to pass that on to Tyler so we started reading to him when was a baby. It's been gratifying to watch Tyler's love affair with books develop. He was so happy to get his own library card! When we go to the library I recommend the books I read when I was his age.

He's almost finished with The Chronicles of Prydain series, he's started Judy Blume's Fudge books and some of the Encyclopedia Brown series. He's inherited his father's love of Sci Fi and Fantasy too. We think it's great that his bookshelves are so diverse.

I think reading opens so many doors. People who are well read are on their way to being well rounded. We see the benefit of Tyler's love of reading in his schoolwork and how much he likes to write stories. It feels good to see Tyler with a book. Loving to read is something he will always have.

When Scholastic asked if I wanted to host a giveaway so someone else could give the gift of reading I didn't hesitate. Books are one of my favorite new baby gifts. The sent me two books to review; Captain Sky Blue by Richard Egielski; and It's Christmas, David by David Shannon.

Both of these were really cute. It's Christmas, David is perfect as a bedtime story book for parents to read to young kids. The sentences are short and the pictures are colorful and fun. Captain Sky Blue is also a good bedtime book for younger kids but is also good for new readers.


Would you like copies of your own? Scholastic gave me a HUGE prize pack filled with the most popular children’s books in the marketplace to offer one lucky reader!

One winner will receive these titles: Captain Sky Blue, It's Christmas, David, Ook and Gluk as well as Tony Baloney, Odious Ogre and I Spy Christmas A Tree! The prize pack is valued at almost $90.


How do you win? You know I like to keep it easy. 

1. Is reading important in your home? What are your kids' favorite books? Do they love to read or is it a chore? Answer any (or all) of the questions in the comments and be entered to win (required).

2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

3. Comments will close on Tuesday, December 14th at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and Twitter.

5. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free Twitter account.


6. If the notified winner has not responded within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

7. You do not have to follow or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry. Here is the URL to this post: http://bit.ly/ScholasticBooksGiveaway

8. The contest is open to US entrants only. 
 
Thank you to Scholastic for supplying the review and giveaway items! Good luck!

Music Soothes: Living With the Decision Not to Have Another Baby

Monday, March 1, 2010

*Giveaway info at the bottom of the post. Read it carefully! 

I love music. I get it from my dad. He's a big music buff used to have the reel to reel or record player going all the time, mostly with Motown. I love how, in an instant, a song can hit you in the gut and take you somewhere, even if it's to a place you don't want to be. Sade's new CD, Soldier of Love, and the Babyfather single has been on repeat in my iTunes lately. The lyrics made me cry a few days ago, reminding me of a sacrifice we made that still hurts every now and then.

I’m stunned
In a daze
He had the whole street set ablaze
It’s only love they say
Makes you feel this way

Our decision not to have another baby was several years in the making. We didn't make it lightly (who does?) and it's one I'm still struggling with. Sometimes, like on our trip to Orlando, I'm fine with it. Smug even. Watching other parents struggle to fold up their strollers to get them on the shuttles, the giant diaper bags, dodging strollers in the parks or getting hit in the back of the heels by one all gave me a sense of relief that those days are behind me. Three cheers for having a kid who can wipe his own butt, tie his shoes, carry his own jacket and stand in lines until almost midnight so we can ride Space Mountain two times in a row.

But other times, knowing we're not going to have another takes the wind right out of my sails. All the babies at Blissdom, the pregnant moms in my feed reader, the man at the park embracing his pregnant wife from behind, both with their hands on her stomach. Woosh!

She liked his eyes she wanted more
The baby gonna have your smile for sure
He saw a lovely girl
Smelling sweet and soapy like fresh air
She saw him looking acted like she didn’t care

I know Tyler would be an awesome big brother. At the end of his daycare days, he was one of the oldest kids there. The woman running the program would tell  me stories of Tyler trying to cheer up the younger kids when they were crying and offering to help with snack time. When Bossy and I were walking Chicago after BlogHer, I told her about the time last summer when I watched Tyler sit on the curb outside our house. He had his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. He sat there for almost 10 minutes, scanning the street, hoping some other kid would walk by and they could play together. I cried telling Bossy that story. I told her I felt like I took something away from him and he had no say in it.

And Phil is such a great dad. I'm a typical Daddy's Little Girl. I have the type of relationship with my dad that often made my mom jealous. It was the blind adoration that did it. I feel the same way sometimes when Tyler will say, "I miss Dad" when I pick him up from school or the way he runs to greet Phil at the door when I can barely get a hello sometimes. I totally get where she was coming from. Even though there's no guarantee we'd have a girl, the thought of Phil and little girl together makes me all warm and gooshy on the inside. I know he'd love to have his own Daddy's Little Girl too.


Even to the angels it may sound like a lie
For you child
He was the troops and extra backup standing by
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
Oh child don’t you know
Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee

All of this has me so conflicted. Add the grief I get from my mom now and then and it's even harder. I'm not sure how much longer it will take for me to be at peace with the decision, or if I ever will. But, I can always listen to music. It really does soothe the soul.

What music is moving you lately?

The giveaway: I have another copy of Soldier of Love for you. I'm so glad Sade is back on the music scene. This is a great CD.






I'm hosting the giveaway on Twitter. DO NOT leave a comment here! Tweet this message or create your own but it has to have the hashtag for me to track.

RT to win a copy of Sade's CD Soldier of Love from @ADramaticMommy. http://bit.ly/NewSade #SadeCD

Winner chosen at random from all Tweets. You don't have to follow me, but I need to see the hashtag. Giveaway ends on Friday, March 5th at noon Pacific time. I'll announce the winner here and on Twitter. Good luck!

Thanks to Big Honcho Media for the review and giveaway copies. The affiliate link is to Amazon.

Win a Full Holiday Meal from Golden Share Foods {Giveaway}

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

*Winner has been chosen and notified. Congrats Ali!*
*Giveaway is for Southern California residents only. Please read the full contest rules below*


Phil and I were trying to remember how many times we've hosted Thanksgiving. Since we couldn't really remember, I have to assume the meals weren't very memorable. There was the time we had my mom over. I think that might have been our first attempt. The turkey was underdone, the skin wasn't crispy brown and we broke the garbage disposal with potato peelings. My mom hasn't had a holiday meal at our house since.

I think we had friends over right after Tyler was born. I say "think" because, even though I have a picture of our friends with the makings of a meal in the background, as a brand new mom of a 24-day old baby, I can't remember a single thing about it.

Fortunately, we had a really relaxing Thanksgiving this year. I made our holiday dinner, and it turned out great. We tried something new this year. Rather than going to the store (or stores) for all the meal components, we ordered a full holiday "dinner in a box" from Golden Share Foods, a food co-op based here in Southern California. We placed our order online and Phil picked up the meal about a week before Thanksgiving.

Not having to run around buying things before the 3 day was one less thing to worry about. After the walk, since I couldn't move and Tyler was running a fever, knowing I had just about everything I needed made prepping and cooking a lot less stressful. Plus, we had so much leftover turkey and vegetables Phil was able to make his turkey bone gumbo. I may just volunteer to host Turkey Day again next year.

What does this have to do with you? I was getting to that. I want to give you the same stress-free experience I had. Golden Share Foods has given me a FULL holiday meal to give to one of you! The package has enough food to feed six people:

1 Spiral Cut Honey Ham w/ Glaze Packet (7-9 lbs)
1 ea. Fresh Celery Sleeved
1 bag Fresh Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 can Pineapple Chunks in Natural Juice
3 lbs. Fresh Sweet Potatoes
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
3 lbs. Fresh Apples
1 can Apple Sauce
2 lbs. Fresh Onions
1 doz Dinner Rolls
1 lbs. Fresh Green Beans
1 Whole Pumpkin Pie (10 inch/ 40 oz)

See? That's a lot of food! What do you need to do to win?

1. Visit the pickup locations on the Golden Share Foods site. Come back here and leave comment on this post with the location closest to you. This is required since the giveaway is for locals only.

2. The winner is responsible for picking up the meal at their closest location.

2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

3. Comments will close on Sunday, December 6th at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post.

5. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free Twitter account.

San Diego: Win a full #holidaymeal for 6. Spiral cut ham with all the trimmings from @GldnSHAREfoods Ends 12/6.
http://bit.ly/GldnShr

6. You do not have to follow or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry. Here is the URL to this post: http://bit.ly/GldnShr

*Golden Share Foods gave us our Thanksgiving meal for this review.

Happy New School Year: Nestle Family Prize Package {Giveaway}

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

***Contest closed. Thank you all for entering!***

We're so happy with the way Tyler has adjusted to being back at school. He was worried he wouldn't like his teacher and that the work would be too hard. But, he loves his teacher and so far he's doing fine. I told myself that this year I will be more involved with with his class. I volunteered when he was in kindergarten but didn't end up helping much last year.

There was an issue with one of the moms who helped test the kids on their spelling words and I wasn't aware of it until mid way through the school year. I don't want something like that to happen again so I want to make my presence known. Plus, it can't hurt to make friends with his teacher (squeaky wheel and all that).



I've told Tyler many times that when it comes to school and his education, he'll get out of it what he puts into it. I think that's true for us parents too, at least while our kids are "new" students. I can see a difference in the kids who seem to have support and involvement at home and those who don't.

This year seems to have a lot riding on it. The kids have to learn twice as much as they did last year. Phil and I are Tyler's best advocates. It's up to us to create an environment where he can not only thrive, but excel and hopefully develop a lifelong love of learning. And for that, we need to be right there with him, every step of the way.


Win It!


What about you? Have you resolved to do anything new or different this school year? Have your kids? Leave the answer in the comments.

One winner will receive a Nestle Happy New School Year prize package with coupons and recipes for Nestle products*.
Nestle Family is supporting parents and Kids' resolutions to make this school year great with a sweepstakes that could win you $5,000 and your school a $2,000 literacy grant.



To enter (please read all the rules):


1. Leave a comment on this post answering the question above. This is required.


2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.


3. This contest will be open until Friday, September 25th. Comments will close on at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winner via email. (US only, I'm sorry!)

5. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free Twitter account.

6. You do not have to follow me on Twitter, follow this blog or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry. Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry method. Here is the URL to this post: http://bit.ly/NestleFam

7. *Nestle is sponsoring this giveaway. The prize package is awarded in the form of free product coupons that the PR company will mail to the winner. To enter the $5,000 Ready, Set, School giveaway, go to the Nestle Family site. My contest is not affiliated with their sweepstakes.

Getting Ready for BlogHer with Foot Petals {+Giveaway}

Sunday, July 19, 2009

*Giveaway is closed. Congratulations to Tanya and Ginny!*

*I've extended the entry period for this contest. Between BlogHer and the trip to Boston, I was not able to promote it as it deserved*


I'm not really sure when my love affair with high heels began. It could have been an unconscious response to being the shortest person in my family, a nudge from the universe (who knew I'd end up marrying someone over six feet tall) or a typical girl thing.

When I was in junior high, one of my mom's friends gave me a pair of heels that she had to wear in a wedding. Today, I'd think they were ugly as sin, but back then, I was happy to have them. Mom wouldn't let me wear them to school. She thought they were too high. So, I did what any other girl would have done and snuck them to school in my HUGE purse (it was ridiculously large). Whatever the reasons, I've always gravitated toward them and now have a closet full of stilettos and wedges.

I tried to pinpoint when I first started using Foot Petals in my shoes but it's been to long. I think the first pair I used them in is my Nina satin heels I bought more than ten years ago for a wedding. They're a product I believe in, and there's real science behind them. The company founder, Tina Aldatz, burned her feet on hot coals when she was a child. Her feet have been overly sensitive and prone to blistering ever since. She received certification as a pedorthist (fancy term for a person who is trained to fit and modify shoes to medical guidelines) after leaving BCBG and a brief time at an internet start up.

Once I knew I would be going to BlogHer, I asked a friend for some tips and she said, "wear comfortable shoes." That negates about half my closet! I took a chance, wrote to Foot Petals explaining that I didn't want to sacrifice cuteness for comfort and asked if they would be willing to help. And yeah for me! they said yes. Every pair of shoes I take to BlogHer (last count: seven) will have at least one Foot Petals product in it. I'll also be taking product with me to bestow upon anyone who looks to be in need. Kind of like a Guardian Angel but for feet.


And because I love you, I have two Foot Petals kits to give away. Two winners will receive one Stiletto Stylist Kit. The kit includes Killer Kushions, Heavenly Heels, Strappy Strips, Sole Stopperz, Tip Toes and Haute Heels.


If you don't win, you can purchase your own products at a 15% discount with code MELBLOGHER. Free shipping on all US orders over $20.

To enter:
1. Visit Foot Petals and do any of the following:
-Look through their collection
-Read through any of Tina's Tips on proper fit (lot's of good info!)
-Watch the video of Tina on HSN demonstrating the difference between Foot Petals and other shoe inserts (fast forward to 3:20)
-Tell me your worst blister or shoe pain story

2. Leave a comment on this post with your favorite product, tip or any other observation from the site. Is there a product you'd like to see? (enter me! and I want to win! aren't gonna cut it) This is required.

3. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

4. Because of BlogHer I will leave this contest open for awhile. Comments will close on Monday, August 3rd Monday, August 10th at 11:59pm CA time.

5. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post. (US only, I'm sorry!)

6. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free Twitter account.

7. You do not have to follow me or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry method. Here is the URL to this post: http://tinyurl.com/ln5y9u

Thank you to foot Petals for outfitting me for BlogHer! Good luck!

Carolina Pad: School Supplies for Grown Ups {+Giveaway}

Sunday, July 12, 2009

**Contest is closed and the winner has been notified. Thank you for entering!**

My brother would tell you that I'm way more nerd than cool (he'd say I'm not cool at all). I always enjoyed school and looked forward to the end of summer vacation. I loved all the back to school shopping, especially for school supplies. The supply list was gospel, not a guideline. I remember the year I asked my mom for a Trapper Keeper and she said no because it was more expensive than the other binders. I was so sad.



I've always been a sucker for notebooks and folders. If it has multiple tabs, folds out like an accordion, has a place for pens, metal rings that snap shut, pretty covers or an elastic band to keep it closed? I. Want. It. And if it all matches? Swoon. Opening the email from Carolina Pad was like my birthday and back to school rolled into one. Would I like a selection of things with tabs, accordions, cool covers, snappy rings and elastic bands to review? Hell yes I would!

I got two boxes of products. Everything is so cute and pretty I don't know which to use first. I'll definitely be taking some of the set with me to BlogHer to keep track of my itineraries, invitations and Excel spreadsheets (oh, hush, my anal tendencies should come as no surprise by now).




Would you like to have an accordioned snappy set of your very own? Great! Because I have one to give away. Carolina Pad is giving one winner their choice of either the Eye Candy


or Simply Chic design (a $150 value).

Did you know that the Carolina Pad company began in 1945 selling school supplies out of the back of a truck? And that they donate regularly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society? And they have an entire product line made with environmentally friendly products? Me neither. But now that I do I like them even more now. They are having a design contest right now. All you creative types can submit a notebook cover for the Studio C line.

How do you win? Easy:

1. Visit Carolina Pad Leave and look at their collections. Come back here and leave comment on this post with your favorite style - ('enter me!' and 'I want to win!' aren't gonna cut it) required.

2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

3. Comments will close on Sunday, July 19th at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post.

5. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free
Twitter account.

6. You do not have to follow or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry. Here is the URL to this post: http://tiny.cc/ffYAo

Thank you to Carolina Pad for the pretty supplies! Good luck!

Bossy's Excellent Reader Submitted Summer Beach Reads {+ Giveaway}

Friday, June 19, 2009

*Giveaway is closed* Affiliate links used

I've probably mentioned a few times that I love to read. My pile of 'to be read' books is getting so big I'm afraid it's going to topple over. But, if I find a book on the clearance rack or in my library book store, I have no problem adding it on.

When I went into my Google Reader this past Tuesday night and saw that Bossy's theme for Ten Word Tuesday was summer reading I think I drooled a little.

Several of the comments mentioned wanting to see all the suggestions compiled into a list. I, being a total book whore, offered to put it together. I apologize if I messed up or forgot to link anyone's blog. I haven't read many of these titles. I'm excited to add some to my list.

Win It!
Have you read anything on this list? Did you love it? Hate it? Have any really good suggestions to add? Leave a
relevant comment and win a $10 Amazon gift card! (rules at the bottom of the post)



Suggested summer reading submitted by fans of I Am Bossy 
to Ten Word Tuesday

Have the T-shirt said: The Spellman Files (and the two follow up books) by Lisa Lutz
Michele P said: The Given Day by Dennis Lehane
dgm said: Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
Marjorie of Connecticut said :Still Life by Louise Penny (1st in a series of 5 thus far)
Chookooloonks said: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
SueBoo said: Hold Tight by Hal Coben
leslie said: The Pact by Jodi Picoult
Marjorie of Connecticut said: Folly by Laurie R. King
Leslie said: The Pleasure of My Company Steve Martin
Meg at the Members Lounge said: The Historian, Elizabeth Kostova
KM said: Katherine by Anya Seton or The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Amy and Ellie said: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewskij
Lora said: She's Come Undone, by Wally Lamb
Jamie said:
-The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
-Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Annie Dillard
Jenny said: When You Are Engulfed in Flames, by David Sedaris or On Chesil Beach, Ian McEwen
Amber Star said: The Berrybender Narratives series by Larry McMurty
hollygee said: Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie
Jamie said: Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon (this was suggested many times and I agree, it's one of my favorites, I've read it at least 6 times)
confused said: Middlesexby Jeffrey Eugenides
Owengirl79 said:The Noticer by Andy Andrews
heather said: The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
Jamie said: The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts, by Tom Farley Jr and Tanner Colby
vuboq said: Deep Economy by Bill McKibben
Meredith said: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (this was also suggested many times and I agree, it's excellent)
Rae said: Freddy and Fredericka, by Mark Helprin
Elizabeth said: Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson (very, very good; she's becoming one of my favorite authors)
Heide said: Michael Chabon, The Yiddish Policemen's Union
Lauren said: The Road, Cormac McCarthy
Stephanie said: When the Wind Blows and The Lake House by James Patterson
Leslie B said: The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer
Michelle and Skeller said: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Domestic Goddess said: [anything by]
-Jane Austin
-The Bronte Sisters
-Thomas Hardy
-Edith Wharton
Leslie B said: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Maryjo said: Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler's Wife(suggested multiple times, a must read!!!)
Debbie said: An American Childhoodby Annie Dillard
Marnie said: Wildflower: An Extraordinary Life and Untimely Death in Africa, by Mark Seal
Kate said: American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld
Lance said: Infidel - Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Renee in Seattle and Dr. Liz said: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
David said: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish - Dr. Seuss
Jean said: Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (True Blood fans, this is part of the Sookie Stackhouse series)
Caro said: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (movie coming out soon)
POD said: The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life by Ben Sherwood
Fiona Picklebottom said: Beach Music by Pat Conroy (loved it!)
Tammy said: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Dharmamama said: Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculée Ilibagiza
Dharmamama said: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
kd said: The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, Michael Lewis
Methodpam said: Foolby Christopher Moore
Amanda said: Rhett Butler's Peopleby: Donald McCaig
Eileen said: Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
Elle said: Conversations with God, Neale Donald Walsch
Jenna said: A Complicated Kindness, Miriam Toews
Jacquie said: The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
Donna said: Cane River by Latita Tademy
rockle said: Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
The Great Getzby said:
-Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov
-July's People by Nadine Gordimer
-The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
-Libra, Don DeLillo
-Catch-22, by Joseph Heller
-Archie Comics Double Digest
-South of the Border, West of the Sun, by Haruki Murakami
-To The Lighthouse, Viginia Woolf
-The Dead, by James Joyce, from “The Dubliners”
Amelia said: Pretty in Plaid - Jennifer Lancaster (reading now, love it!)
sara said: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
KimA said: The Bookseller of Kabulby Asne Seierstad
Dee said: Any of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evonovich - One for the Money up through Finger Lickin’ Fifteen
Liz in Virginia said: The Solace of Leaving Early, by Haven Kimmel
bechtoldlifework said: The Wife, by Meg Wolitzer
deedle said: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Franca Bollo said: Year of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks
Surcie said: I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti(Non-fiction) Giulia Melucci
BirdBrain said: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Sara said: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving Debbie said: The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Deborah said: The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig, anything by James Lee Burke
Suburban Turmoil said: War and Peace
Sugarpie said: With Bold Knife and Fork; M. F. K. Fisher
Bossy's Mom said: Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
JC said: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Laurellee said: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Cupcake Murphy said: The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen and The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
Lianne said: The Memory of Running, by Ron McLarty or The The Sound of Butterflies, by Rachel King
Elizabeth said: James Patterson’s Women's Murder club series or Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum Series
Catherine McP said: [Any of the] 4 cookbooks by Kit Wohl
Abbey said: The Correctionsby Jonathan Franzen. Also, Jonathan Safran Foer: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Sugarpie said: Speak, Memory, To The Lighthouse, and Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole
Kait said: Jenna Blum’s Those Who Save Us
Suburban Kamikaze said: Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea by Charles Seife
Marinka said: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Amanda said: The Master and Margarita, Mikhail Bulgakov
Maria said: Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade, a 1955 novel by Patrick Dennis
Carrie said: My Life in France by Julia Child
Lissa Lou said: My Life in France by Louise Erdrich
Jen said: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (The Almost Moon was really good too)

Ren said: Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Beth said: Lolita, and [anything by] Edith Wharton and Jane Smiley, (House of Mirth, A Thousand Acres) and Housekeeping by Marilynn Robinson
ErinH said: The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews and A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Cinthia said: Any of the “No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency ” books by Alexander McCall Smith and Patty Boyd’s Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me
martha said: Glamour and Sparkles, both by Louise Bagshawe
Sven said: Anna Karenina, Tolstoy
deborah said: Any mystery by Ian Rankin (especially Resurrection Men)
judy said: Naked by David Sedaris

Guess what? You can print the entire list here.

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
To enter:
1. Leave a relevant comment on this post answering any of the questions above - (enter me! and I want to win! aren't gonna cut it) required.

2. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! I will have to delete comments with no contact info.

3. Comments will close on Friday, June 26th at 11:59pm CA time.

4. I will use random.org to draw the winners and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post.

5. The prize is in the form of an emailed gift card. International entry OK as long as Amazon is allowed where you live.

6. For two extra entries:
(not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three contest entry opportunities total). You will need a free
Twitter account.

7. You
do not have to follow or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Tweet as often as you like, but only one Tweet will count as an extra entry. Leave one comment for each entry. Here is the URL to this post: http://tinyurl.com/n3wj7m
 
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