Monday, September 7, 2009

Win a Design Consultation



Visit http://www.scotchblue.com/ to enter the Renew Your Space Instant Win Game for a chance to win $10,000 and a design consultation with Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape design expert Amy Matthews of the DIY Network’s “Sweat Equity” and “Bathroom Renovations.”

Below are a few budget-friendly decorating tips from Matthews to help us get a priceless design without breaking the bank.

If you have big design dreams but are working with a small budget, no fear – you don't have to sacrifice style and professional-looking results. Try these budget-friendly decorating tips from designer and contractor Amy Matthews of the DIY Network’s “Sweat Equity” and “Bathroom Renovations” to help get you the priceless design you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.

Shed a little light: Give your kitchen an instant and inexpensive makeover simply by replacing outdated fixtures like faucets, lighting and hardware. You can also add a tile backsplash or under-cabinet lights to really dress up your kitchen. Not only are these functional and design-oriented, they really help deliver a big bang for your buck.

A little dab will do: Before you commit to a paint color, buy samples and try them out on the wall. See how the color looks during the day, at night and under various types of lighting. Also, be sure to have painter’s tape on hand, such as Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces. Whether you’re painting one accent wall or tackling the whole house, masking trim, baseboards, and other areas with painter’s tape lets you avoid a mess and achieve clean, sharp paint lines.

Something old, something new: Add one special piece in the living room that makes a great conversation starter. This could be a lighting fixture, a piece of furniture or a unique rug – something signature to your style. You can find great pieces by shopping at designer sales and discount showrooms, or uncover treasures in your own house. Rummage through the attic or basement to rediscover pictures, vases or your grandmother’s antique chest. You’ll be surprised with what you may find.

Accent on accessories: Fancy towels aren’t just for your guests’ bathroom – treat yourself to new towels in the master bathroom and quickly transform it into an updated and inviting space. For your living spaces, changing couch covers seasonally will keep your décor fresh and make it look like you purchased new furniture. Try brown microfiber for fall, white linen for summer and sage green in the spring.

Bring the outdoors in: Take a hint from nature and get inspired by the seasons and the beautiful hues outside. Once you’ve decided on one or two colors, buy pillows, lampshades and other accessories to place throughout your bedroom. Experiment with patterns, warm colors like red and orange, or calm hues like moss greens and sage. Branches and flowers are inexpensive and can also add instant charm to any living area.

Soak up the sun: When landscaping, buy smaller and younger plants that need time to grow. They’ll be ready in a couple of years when you’re ready to sell your house. Fresh cedar mulch or rock landscaping are other great ways to improve curb appeal – they’re inexpensive and will really make your yard pop.

Final Month for the Laptop Contest!



Is your current computer stalling and giving you blue screen nightmares? Would you love to be able to have one that the kids could use (alas, staying off of yours)?

www.CookiesKids.com feels your pain and has come to your rescue!

Sign up to recieve the Cookies Kids Newsletter via e-mail and you're automatically entered to win one of 4 brand new laptops!!

Simply fill out the form below to be entered into the Laptop Giveaway Sweepstakes. Please be sure to read the Giveaway Sweepstakes "Terms and Conditions" before entering your information.

Entry Form: http://cli.gs/6dGhsh
Thanks so much to Momfluence for letting our know about this great site!

Child Seat Safety


Amy Lupold Bair, founder of Momfluence, is acting on behalf of NHTSA's child passenger safety efforts. Thanks so much to Amy for letting us know this great info!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Enjoy a "State-Cation" with Holiday Inn


Have you taken a look at activities within your own state for a vacation idea lately? Holiday Inn encourages everyone to have a “state-cation” instead of a “staycation” and look at the countless opportunities for adventure, education and rejuvenation within the borders of your own home state. You can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars with a creative “state-cation.”
The whole family can get involved in the planning, whether you’re looking to visit historical landmark; spend a long weekend at the lake; or even stay a night in the big city. When you stay with Holiday Inn, you’ll experience the changes transforming its hotels world wide including signature bedding with “soft” and “firm” pillows and power showers in the bathroom, just to name a few, all with a more contemporary look and feel.

Holiday Inn boasts more than 2,500 locations in the US, offering a fun and easy getaway in every state. Being from Kentucky, were looking forward to taking our little ones to one of the newly relaunched Holiday Inns within our great state. They are close enough to home for convenience and affordability, but far enough to experience a getaway. A Holiday Inn “state-cation” becomes a great opportunity to rediscover our home state and still enjoy a vacation.


“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Holiday Inn. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Elations Joint Supplement Drink




Studies have shown drinking one Elations a day for six days improves joint discomfort. GJ took the six day challenge, he received a six day supply of Elations to review. Elations is available in Cranberry Apple and Raspberry White Grape.

Within a one week he started to notice a difference in his joints discomfort. He also said that it really does taste great! He said that it tastes like a fruit juice, and surprisingly it only has 30 calories. There's no sodium, 8 carbs, 1 gram of sugar, and 300 mg Calcium, in addition to the Glucosamine and Chondroiton.

Elations tastes great, is more absorbable than pills, and now improves joint comfort in six days, faster than any other leading joint supplement brand. There’s a better solution for healthier joints. GJ recommends that you try Elations today!

Fruit20 Review and Sweepstakes



Fruit2O Essentials, a zero calorie fortified water with nutrients equal to two servings of fruit in six flavors. Fruit2O is offering a great opportunity for a chance to win a 4-night spa vacation for you & a friend! You may enter every day through October 17, 2009 online (http://www.fruit2o.com/) for the Grand Prize, a $5,000 Spafinder.com gift certificate, which you can spend at more than 5,000 spas across the U.S., plus a $900 travel voucher. You can register every day until October 17, 2009. I feel most moms can agree a spa vacation would be an ideal break from our busy lives.

Also, up to 23 first prizes will be awarded, too (each winner will enjoy a $100 SpaFinder gift card). Discount coupons are also available on the website, $0.55 off the purchase of one 6-pack of Fruit2O and $1.00 off the purchase of two 18oz bottles of Fruit2O® Essentials.

Our whole family enjoyed the refreshing taste of the Fruit20! Ethan is good about drinking water but Ella not so much! So, we were excited to find some flavored water that she would actually drink! We highly recommend this great tasting, refreshing, and good for you Fruit20!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Serif Launches Free Digital Scrapbook Artist Compact



Serif, a leading independent design, publishing and creative software developer, today announced the release of a free version of its popular digital scrapbooking software. Digital Scrapbook Artist Compact offers all the features expected of a fully functional digital scrapbooking product, including a fun selection of tools and creative content such as embellishments, background papers and brushes. Available as a download from the online social scrapbooking site DaisyTrail.com, Digital Scrapbook Artist Compact is not time-limited in any way and gives consumers the perfect opportunity to make beautiful keepsakes from the stacks of photographs they all have at home.


Digital Scrapbook Artist Compact will make it possible for anyone to enjoy a fantastic and fun way of preserving photos and memories”, said Ashley Hewson, Sales Director at Serif. “And what’s more, the results you can achieve with this software far outshine those of our competitors, while still remaining an incredibly easy to use program and despite the fact that it’s completely free

Serif has already enjoyed considerable success with the standard version of its software, and its online scrapping community DaisyTrail.com which were both launched in October 2008. DaisyTrail.com is already listed in the top 50 scrapbooking websites worldwide.

To coincide with the launch of the free version, Serif is running a contest, Serif Super Scrapper ‘09 which is open to adults and children of all ages and scrapbooking capabilities. A total of 10 winners will be chosen and will be awarded a variety of prize packs that will include digital cameras, Serif GraphicsPad Tablets and other digital scrapbooking essentials. For further information and to enter, go to http://www.daisytrail.com/superscrapper


About DaisyTrail

Coinciding with the release of Digital Scrapbook Artist in October 2008, Serif unveiled DaisyTrail™ (www.daisytrail.com), the online social scrapbooking network for scrapbookers and crafters to share their designs with family and friends, and to exchange creative tips with others. DaisyTrail has already become one of the fastest growing scrapbooking communities on the web. Thousands of users have uploaded their scrapbook designs created in Digital Scrapbook Artist and other digital scrapbooking software and DaisyTrail is already listed in the top 50 scrapbooking websites worldwide

About Serif

Serif develops and publishes the award-winning software range which includes PagePlus®, PhotoPlus™, DrawPlus™, WebPlus™, AlbumPlus™, MoviePlus™, PanoramaPlus™ and Digital Scrapbook Artist®. Founded in 1987 with the aim to develop better value alternatives to high-end design and publishing packages, Serif has been repeatedly praised for its powerful yet easy-to-use software which enables businesses, educational establishments, and ordinary PC users to achieve professional-quality results – whatever their level of experience. With over 6 million customers worldwide and over 200 independent awards and accolades from respected industry publications, Serif has over 200 employees at its head office, development and European sales centre in Nottingham, UK and its North American sales operation in New Hampshire, US.


About Serif Super Scrapper ‘09

To take part in ‘Serif Super Scrapper ‘09’, entrants must use Digital Scrapbook Artist* to design a scrapbook on one of the following themes:

· What I did this summer

· My hometown

· My hero

· When I grow up

Entries will be judged in categories, depending on age and experience in digital scrapbooking. A full list of the terms and conditions and prizes can be found online at www.daisytrail.com/superscrapper.

*Using either the free download or the full version of Digital Scrapbook Artist.






Paper Culture Stationery Review




Paper Culture offers modern stationery with exclusive designs, 100% recycled eco friendly cards and unparalleled convenience and personalization. Be sure to check out the Mail & Message service where they will address and mail your cards AND print a different personal message on every card if you choose.

They have a full catalog of baby announcements, baby shower invitations, birthday invitations and moving announcements. And stay tuned for holiday cards, graduation announcements and invitations and more modern stationery products to help celebrate life’s great events.

NEW: They now have matching thank you cards and personalized stationery for almost all of their designs. They haven’t posted them to the site yet, so you’ll be one of the first to order them! If you see a design you like, just hit “personalize” from the card page and they’ll create a free proof for you.

We received some of these gorgeous cards and stationery to review. We really loved the clean, fresh look that these cards offer. I appreciate the clean lines with a modern point of view and designs that focus on bold colors! I love to send cards but really don't have the time so I was excited to find a company that will actually (for just the cost of the stamp) will address and mail my cards for me. Paper Culture has gone beyond eco-friendly product lines and created an eco-friendly company. Every one of their cards are environmentally responsible. We were totally wowed with their stationery and unique services and we know you will be too! Check them out today!

They are currently offering $15 off purchases of $75 or more.

But hurry, the offer is valid only until September 30, 2009!

Thanks so much to Momfluence for this great review opportunity!

Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought Our Family Home


I was excited to receive a great Memoir, Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought Our Family Home by Susan Pohlman to review!

SYNOPSIS:
This is a true story of a California couple on the brink of separation, who unexpectedly find love again on the Italian Riviera.

DESCRIPTION:
Tired of each other and completely disillusioned with married life, Susan and Tim Pohlman are wrapping up a business trip in Italy. They have just one day left to spend together with no agenda before they go home to California, to start divorce proceedings and finally move onto separate lives.

But during their last day as they walked along the Italian Riviera, Tim fantasized aloud that, perhaps, they could live there. Susan initially dismissed the notion as nonsense, but found herself inexplicably overwhelmed with a desire to give the marriage another try. Defying all logic, the couple found a school for their children and signed a lease for an apartment. Their therapist called it "an elaborate scheme of avoidance at best."

But maybe, Susan thought, a life in such a charmed setting could help them find their way back to each other.

"Halfway to Each Other" is a remarkable true story that I truly enjoyed reading. I enjoyed reading about how this family realized what really matters in life. Susan makes her life real for the readers by including honesty with her feelings, self reflection, and some humor in this great tale of a life lesson learned. Susan illustrates for us how important it is to be able to process what is around us and see how our surroundings affect us. Just what would you and your family do without a TV, computer, video games, cell phones, etc.??? This is a great book that we highly recommend!

Get you copy HERE!!!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats MSN Mom's Homeroom



Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats has sponsored the development of the MSN Mom's Homeroom site where Moms can connect online to find ideas and articles on topics such as reading, attentiveness, learning, and memory. The site features four Moms from diverse backgrounds: a teacher, a psychiatrist, a former marketing coordinator, and an obstetrician/gynecologist. The moms participate in online discussions and post unscripted videos of their views on helping kids succeed academically. The site includes great resources such as:

Scholastic and Encarta articles, tools, and activities
Tips on reading comprehension
Ways to work with your child's sports coach
Articles on the meaning and importance of community service
Memory tricks to help kids in school

I love that this site offers tons of great resources for writing! I also like how the information is separated by grade level. This site is a great resource for teachers and parents! We highly recommend that you check it out today!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Winners!!!!


Celebrate Chocolate Covered Cocoa Almonds

Summer Cool Down Gift Package
shawn said...
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and

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bridget3420 said...
tweet

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Stacy said...
I clip the most box tops off all the General Mills cereals.

bridget3420 said...
Twitter follower - bridget3420

Kelly W. said...
Follow this blog!

Sarah said...
i love the fiber one chocolate bars - they're like candy!

$20 Target G/C
jrs0020 said...
I especially love the
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Email me (moore.g@insideconnect.net) by Sunday with your shipping address!!
Be sure to check out our current giveaways:

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Mom Central Back to School Giveaways


In honor of the new school year, Mom Central put together a series of Back to School Giveaways for the whole family. New product reviews and giveaways are posted on their site each week so make sure to check in on a regular basis.

Looking for tips on getting your children excited about heading to class? Please visit their Back to School Guide for organizational strategies.
This week's prizes include:
Set of Mommy and Me necklaces
Lunchbox Simplicity Sampler from Revolution Foods
Toddler Snacks from Plum Organics
Plum Organics Baby Food
Jeep 2-in-1 Booster Seat
All-in-One Printer from Lexmark
$75 Gift Card to The Children's Place
Baby G Watch from Casio
Muddy Pigs Bath Toys from Munchkin
Fruitabu Organic Fruit Snacks
Green Works Glass Cleaner
Works Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover
Win $1000 for You and $1000 for Your Favorite Charity with the Dole Bowl-a-Day Giveaway

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central. Mom Central entered my name in a random drawing to win a gift to thank me for taking the time to participate."

Charmin Ultra Soft



Charmin Ultra Soft is designed with absorbent cushions that allow you to use less versus other leading brands. Charmin Ultra Soft is so soft and absorbent that you can use seven sheets of Charmin Ultra Soft versus 28 sheets of the leading value brand.

We received the kit above to review!


WOW, we were totally amazed with this great new toilet tissue! The picture above tells it all! One pile contains 7 sheets of Charmin and the other pile contains 28 sheets of another leading brand! They look just the same! We love the new Charmin Ultra Soft and will using it in our home. The softness combined with the ultra absorbency makes this toilet tissue a great deal! We highly recommend that you try it today!

Boredom Breakers



Rand McNally recently released a new line of games for the car called Boredom Breakers. Just as we head into the dog days of summer and get ready to embark on last minute road trips, these games are the perfect products to end the dreaded "Are We There Yet?" question!

We received the Story Starters game to review!
It's packed with 72 minutes of funny stories, mysteries ,and games! This interactive CD was an instant hit with our little ones on our last road trip. Story Starters combines the best of classic radio-style drama and audio effects to us telling stories together.

This fun CD really does engage everyone in the car in telling stories! Rand McNally's Story Starters features different styles of audio entertainment that our whole family enjoyed. These story starters were written by hilarious writers, and supplemented with sound effects and original scores, Story Starters is entertaining for both kids and as well as us. These great games keep our kids occupied in the back seat of the car wherever we go – whether it’s a long drive or when were just out running errands. These Boredom Breakers™ really do keep both us and our children happy and entertained while traveling! These games have have turned our car time into family time! We highly recommend these fun games!

Get yours HERE!

Thanks to Role Mommy for this fun review opportunity!


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

{GIVEAWAY} Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher's First Year, Expanded Edition (Paperback)


A must-read for parents, new teachers, and classroom veterans, Educating Esmé is the diary of Esmé Raji Codell’s first year teaching in a Chicago public school. Madame Esmé—as she prefers to be called—does the cha-cha during multiplication tables, roller-skates down the hallways, and puts on rousing performances with at-risk students in the library. Her diary opens a window into a real-life classroom from a teacher’s perspective. While battling bureaucrats, gang members, abusive parents, and her own insecurities, this gifted lady reveals what it takes to be an exceptional teacher.


Author Esme Codell is a nationally renowned advocate for literacy and literature-based instruction. She is dubbed “one of the nation’s most sought-after voices for empowering teachers” (People) and a “Superstar of Education” (Scholastic Instructor). Her diary, "Educating Esme", was first published in 1999. Over 200,000 copies later, the irreverent and ground-breaking book has been hailed as “the gold standard” of the first-person account (The New York Times) and declared a “pop culture phenomenon” (Publishers Weekly).

I was thrilled when we were offered a copy of The 10-year anniversary edition to review. It includes a new Foreword by Katherine Paterson, author of "Bridge to Terabithia", a brand new guide filled with Codell’s invaluable advice and practical tips for teachers and a fantastic shopping list of must-haves for a teacher’s first classroom.

I am also a teacher, just started my 9th year, and reading this book was again very meaningful to me. It's a very powerful account of a brave, wise, and oh so funny first year teacher that we all can relate to. Madame Esme published this diary to serve as a inspiration to help other teachers value their own anecdotes and start a dialogue about what works and doesn't work in education. Madame Esme brings up so many of the problems that our students face, like poverty, broken homes, lack of parental involvement, etc., and how these issues are carried over into our classroom on a daily basis. This book offers hope with tons of laughter mixed in!! She uses heart, creativity and strength to get her through her first year! Her experiences throughout this must read diary will make you laugh and cry!! I am certain that anyone in the teaching profession would benefit from reading this. We highly recommend that you read this great book!
Order your copy HERE!



GIVEAWAY:

Since Esme has us all excited about school we have Cupcake Courier for one lucky reader!! That lucky person will get to take their cupcakes to school in style this year!!!


TO ENTER:

Tell us whether or not you have read this book or who you think would enjoy this book!

You can gain extra entries by doing any of the following listed below!

YOU MUST LEAVE AN ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING THAT YOU DO TO EARN AN EXTRA ENTRY!!!!!

1. Subscribe via feed reader or email! Just type your email in the box below:

Your email address:


Powered by FeedBlitz



2. Post our button on your blog. Grab the code from the box below!



3. Blog about the giveaway with a link back to the giveaway!

4. Follow this blog (Just Click on the Words)

5. Follow me on Twitter (Just Click on the Words)

6. Send out a Tweet on Twitter about this giveaway with a link to the giveaway!

THIS CAN BE DONE DAILY!!!

Either (or both) of the tweets below will work:


*GIVEAWAY*@staceymoore Win a Cupcake Courier ~ http://bit.ly/371PZp ~ Please RT

or/and (you receive an entry for each)

Have you read Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher's First Year, Expanded Edition? http://bit.ly/371PZp

*This contest will end at Midnight on September 28th!!
**This giveaway is for US Shipping Addresses Only**
***The winner will be picked with the random number generator!!!
****Thanks so much for entering****



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