2010 April — MomStart

Mother’s Day Kate Hines Delicate Drops Necklace Giveaway

April 17, 2010 By Momstart 789 Comments

"A woman wears jewelry that is of her choosing, that is an expression of herself. Once chosen, it is no longer the designer’s, but her own.”

Meet Kate Hines:

Kate Hines is a jewelry designer that combines modern and classic and creates art you can wear. Each piece is an elegant addition to any outfit. Pearl Puddles is one of her brands and the collection includes freshwater pearls, that make unique authentic jewelry any woman would love to wear. A graduate of the renowned Rhode Island School of Design, Kate Hines has designed exquisite, quality jewelry for many decades. As a long-standing designer of private-label jewelry, Hines has built a passionate and loyal following of women seeking jewelry that reflects and enhances who they are – or want to become. Her designs have been showcased in cutting-edge boutiques from Madison Avenue to Rodeo Drive, as well as in fashion-forward retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, and Nordstrom. Today, Hine’s passion and focus is the enduring beauty of pearls: "Pearls are light solidified. They inspire and illuminate. Each pearl is different. Softer than jewels, they glow against your skin. They should be worn everyday, whether you’re wearing your t-shirt … or your tiara.”

Some of her Work includes:

Buttercup Earring – White – E1051 We rendered a gorgeous buttercup flower in sterling silver and set it with 8 mm button freshwater pearls. Length including sterling silver earwires measures 7/8 inches. Sterling Silver $105.00

Buttercup Necklace – White – N2071 – Even though Spring is far off we are offering this necklace from the garden to you without delay! One of our artists sculpted a buttercup flower in sterling silver which we then cast and set with a pearl puddle. It dangles from a fine sterling chain measuring 16 inches and adjusts to 18 inches. Sterling Silver $90.00

Delicate Drops Bracelet – White – B3027 – Distinctive round link sterling chain circles the wrist and 4 mm freshwater pearls dance around its length. Each pearl is highlighted with a sterling seed head pin. This is a lively bracelet and it’s a great everyday piece! Length measures 7.5 inches. Sterling Silver $68.00

Six Strand Bracelet – White – B3028 – If a statement’s what you desire then reach for this bracelet. Three strands of heavy sterling chain and three strands of 9×10 mm freshwater pearls are mounted on an ingenious slide tube clasp, once closed it looks like a single tube. This piece has substance and measures 7.5 inches. Sterling Silver $280.00

Pink Baroque Necklace –Nothing says I love you more than a pink baroque pearl necklace!
Pearl Puddle™ Dangle Earrings – Pink – E1023 11mm Pink Baroque freshwater pearls bearing mother nature’s mark dangle from handmade ear wires. Select sterling or 14K yellow gold hardware. A Baroque pearl is a naturally grown freshwater pearl that is slightly irregular in shape. The earring’s natural form allows you to have a pair that’s all your own. No two are exactly alike! There’s nothing more desirable than a pair of pink dangling baroque pearls.
Sterling Silver $80.00; 14K Yellow Gold $120.00

Column Earrings – Pink – E1033 – An elegant dangle of tiny pink freshwater seed pearls on sterling silver or 14K yellow earwires. Overall length measures 2.25 inches. For the elegant woman who wants a longer piece, this beautiful column of pink pearls says ‘you’re special’ like no other.
Sterling Silver $110.00; 14K Yellow Gold $140.00

Grape Cluster Earrings – Pink – E1036 – Just like a tiny bunch of grapes, only in delicate pink freshwater pearls. Buyers can choose either sterling silver or 14K yellow gold earwires. Overall length measures 1.5 inches. The perfect ‘Oh My Gosh’ gift for that special someone.
Sterling Silver $100.00; 14K Yellow Gold $130.00

Bubble Pearl Necklace – White – N2032 – This simple necklace features a white 12mm freshwater pearl mounted on a hand made sterling silver ring. The pendant is tied to a black cotton cord and finished with a sterling lobster claw. Overall length measures 17 inches. A great way to say I love you to a modern girl — with modern pearls!
Sterling Silver $75.00; 14K Yellow Gold $140.00

Pearl Puddles™ Earrings – Pink - E1002 -Our favorite earring also comes in soft shell pink and bear mother nature’s mark. They measure 9-10mm and are mounted on 14K gold hardware in yellow or white. There is nothing so special as a genuine pearl puddle adorning your ear lobe.
14K Yellow Gold $120.00, 14K White Gold $120.00

Pearl Puddles™ Earrings – White - E1001 -The renewed classic pearl stud earring. These white 9mm freshwater baroque pearl earrings are paired by shape and color; each pearl is slightly different and bears mother nature’s mark . Mounted on 14K gold hardware in yellow or white. Nothing completes a wardrobe better than a pearl stud – this time in freshwater Baroque – a must for today’s woman.
14K Yellow Gold $120.00; 14K White Gold $120.00

Purchase for Mother’s Day

Her two Lines:

Pearl Puddles – www.pearlpuddles.com

Kate Hines – www.katehines.com

Or you can find her jewelry in Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, and Nordstrom.

Enter to Win This:

Delicate Drops Necklace – White – N2069 – Distinctive round link sterling chain circles the neck and 4mm freshwater pearls dance around its length. Each pearl is highlighted with a sterling seed head pin. This is a lively necklace and a great everyday piece! Length measures 16 inches and adjusts to 18 inches. Sterling Silver $98.00

To Enter:

Visit Kate Hines and let me know what other item from her collections that you would love to wear.

Extra Entries:

#win Kate Hines Pearl Puddles Jewelry (AVR 98.00) http://bit.ly/96bC8s #giveaway #contest

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each

The contest will run until May 9th 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

I was not compensated for this giveaway, but Kate Hines Jewelry is providing the prize for the giveaway.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Freshwater Pearls, jewelry giveaway, Kate Hines, Pearl Puddles

Everyday is a Spa Day with Clarisonic Mia Giveaway

April 17, 2010 By Momstart 1,711 Comments

Last year, Clarisonic sent me a Clarisonic facial brush, it is just called Clarisonic, but it’s a sonic cleansing system. I just adore it. I’m not perfect at using it every day as I should, I’m just not really good at doing anything to beautify myself. However, Clarisonic makes it so easy and enjoyable. The brush heads gently exfoliate your skin and you feel like you are having a facial massage at the spa but it is in the comfort of your own home. Skin Care System: Clarisonic Mia .

The Clarisonic is water proof so you can use it in the shower, or at the sink as you are getting ready for bed. What’s even more fun is all the beautiful colors that it is now available in.

The New Mia!

Mia is the new, go-anywhere Sonic Skin Cleansing System in a great compact size. The one-button, one-speed Mia fits your active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life’s adventures take you.

Clarisonic Pink Makes a Difference

I really love companies that support commnuty and charity and Clarisonic is proud to support breast cancer research. With every Pink Clarisonic purchase, they will make a donation to help fund the fight against breast cancer.

Personalize your Clarisonic

You can personalize your Clarisonic after you add it to your bag. Engrave your Clarisonic with your name, favorite nickname or fun phrase. Free. Clarisonic.com exclusive offer.

Universal Charging cradle

At Clarisonic, we’re committed to making a super–sonic difference in skin care by developing products that improve the way you care for your skin.

My Opinion:

Mine arrived fully charged so I was able to use it right out of the box. It did say in the directions though that you need to charge for 24 hours before using. Both my unit and the unit that I’m giving away have the same rechargeable base. It’s so nice that we don’t have to go through batteries. The Clarisonic brush has a nice smooth pulse that feels great to me. I actually noticed a difference in my face after using it twice. A friend of mine said she noticed a difference using hers after four weeks. I think I just noticed my face looked brighter (I’m hesitant to say younger but that was my first thought) I’m not making any claims for this company, I’m just giving you my crazy opinion for whatever it’s worth.

To Enter:

Visit Clarisonic and tell me which product would suit you best.

Extra Entries:

Follow Clarisonic on Twitter

Become a fan on Facebook

Clarisonic Mia Giveaway http://bit.ly/a6RCVo #giveaway #contest

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Mother's Day, Mother's Day gift idea, Mother's Day Giveaway

Ultimate Bakugan Battle Brawlers Prize Pack Giveaway

April 17, 2010 By Momstart 316 Comments

Enter to Win:

Bakugan Battle Brawlers DVD

The battles rage on in this latest installment of Bakugan, featuring 13 episodes from the second half of the show’s first season. In this new release, fans can watch as Dan and Masquerade engage in an all-out battle, sending Drago spiraling into the Doom Dimension. Bakugan is currently watched on Cartoon Network by more than 10 million kids 6-11, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Bakugan Battle Gear

Bakugan Battler Gear BattleTurbine Colors Vary (Amazon Associates Link)

Increase your Bakugan’s G-power strength with new Battle Gear!
Each Battle Gear includes:
• One Bakugan Battle Gear
• One Ability Card
• One Metal Gate Card
Suggested Retail Price: $7.49

Brawler Game Pack

Everything you need to be the ultimate Bakugan Brawler in one complete pack.
Package includes:
• Two Bakugan
• Two Bakugan Battle Gear
• One Bakugan Super Assault
• Five Ability and five Gate Cards
Suggested Retail Price: $24.99

To Enter:

Tell me about the Cartoon Network fan in your life

Extra Entries:

Tweet about the giveaway and include a link

Ultimate Bakugan Battle Brawlers Prize Pack http://bit.ly/bYfWZg #giveaway

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

This giveaway is provided by a PR company representing the Cartoon Network.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Bakugan, Bakugan battle brawlers, Bakugan battle gear, DVD giveaway

Closing out the Ultimate Blog Party 2010

April 16, 2010 By Momstart 8 Comments

5minutesformom knows how to throw a party right? They served cake

and drinks and music and had the largest guest attendance of any party I have ever attended. Of course, I’ve never been to any parties that have lasted more than four hours. I’ve had a great time visiting other bloggers that are part of the party hopping and I even have found a roommate for BlogHer. Who hoo!

So the list of blogs I have found that are new to me

http://makingtimeformommy.com/

Alicia from Making Time for Mommy is going to be my roommate and I can’t wait to meet her in real life. That’s a connection from this great party!

Two other blogs I visited were

Riggs Family Blog

Comfy Cook

I visited many other blogs, and I plan to spend more time going through the list throughout the year. This week has been really difficult for me with my blog schedule and being sick and having the Sleep Number Bed giveaway. I put too much on my plate and shouldn’t have accepted anything else because of how hard the company wanted me to work on that one giveaway. I’m not throwing a pity party here, I’m just saying, I brought this mess on myself and I can’t wait until I get out from under it. Happy Partying everyone and I look forward to more connections.

Filed Under: personal

Wilton Cupcake Extravaganza Giveaway

April 16, 2010 By Momstart 704 Comments

Wilton is a well known baking brand. When I started looking at the name of the cooking pans that I have I realized, I have a lot of Wilton cupcake holders and pans in my house. We eve purchased two new ones this Easter. One Silicone pan Before Easter

and another one on an after clearance Easter sale. The after Easter pan made these:

We have been having a cupcake extravaganza at our house since Easter thanks to Wilton. Wilton sent us a Cupcake package from their cupcake shop. Including the following products:

Can you see them all there, our hostess Zoe is happy to walk you through them one by one. First we have two different kinds of sprinkles. Colored Chocolate Chip sprinkles and little stars and cars. Then we have cupcake liners and cupcake accessories like toothpick decorations.

Then we have the cupcake stand you can see it empty and with cupcakes below.

Now lets go back to the big picture, you can see in this image the candy car decorations and the cupcake book. The Cupcake Fun catalogue is a gold mine of information, tips and tools on how to make your own masterpiece cupcakes. There are a ton of unique recipes to choose from and instructions on how to ice cakes and cupcakes with the greatest of ease. They make many of the most elegant and decadent cupcakes look easy. In fact, this was our first time to make cream filled cupcakes.

Here is more on what we did:

we mixed up the cake mix

we filled the cupcake liners

We let them cool on a wire rack

we filled them with cream

we decorated them and at them

My husband is the big dessert king in our house. He is the baker and I am the eater. I love his cooking. He was quite inspired by the recipes and the decorations. He made Key Lime Cupcakes, with vanilla pudding/custard filling. Both recipes were out of the Cupcake fun book.

Enter to win your own Cupcake Extravaganza Set:

Cupcake Stand
Sprinkles
Cupcake Liners, decorations
Candy Decorations
Piping Supplies/icing decoration supplies
Cupcake Fun Book

To Enter:

Visit Wilton and come back here and give me a baking tip you learned from their site.

Extra Entries:

Follow WiltonCakes on twitter

Become a fan on Wilton on Facebook

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Tweet about the giveaway and include a link

Wilton Cupcake Extravaganza Giveaway http://bit.ly/b6at4t #giveaway

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Wilton provided us with some of the supplies used in this post, they are also providing the supplies listed as the cupcake extravaganza set.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: baking supplies, Cupcake supplies, Wilton, Wilton Cupcakes

Fruit2O Essentials Review and Giveaway

April 16, 2010 By Momstart 123 Comments

Have you joined Mom Select? You should because then you will be able to participate in campaigns like this one with Fruit2o. Fruit2o sent us samples of all of their enriched water flavors. We tried them as a family!

Fruit2O Essentials is a simple, refreshing beverage choice that promotes a healthy lifestyle because it combines several nutrients found in two servings of fruit, with the hydrating benefits of zero calorie water. There are 6 different flavors and 1g of fiber in each. My kids love it. I think it’s great too, I’m terrible about getting in a serving of fruit every day let along getting in two. I would rather eat vegetables than eat fruit. Most fruit has seeds in it and I hate seeds. So if I can drink my fruit without all the sugar of juice I’m all for it. I’m also a big fan of giving this water to my kids because they aren’t getting any extra sugar. Just essential nutrients.

Fruit2O Essential water flavors:

Cranberry Raspberry

Strawberry Kiwi

Peach Mango

Citrus

Blueberry Pomegranate

Cherry Acai

Possible Nutrients List:

Each flavor has different nutrients added to it. The Nutrients are Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorus, Potassium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B6. My favorite flavor was the Cranberry Raspberry and it contained an excellent source of Manganese, and a good source of Zinc, Phosphorus, Potassium and Vitamin E.

To Enter to receive 1 month supply:

Tell me what you are doing to live a healthier lifestyle.

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Products were supplied by Fruit2o as part of a blog tour with Mom Select.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Fruit2O, giveaway, review, VLog

The Real Magic of Harry Potter Giveaway

April 15, 2010 By Momstart 697 Comments

Scholastic has launched a Sweepstakes to WIN one of four family trips to Universal Orlando’s Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are plenty of other ways to win on Facebook and twitter too, also right here on Mom Start. I love Harry Potter and have read all of the books, seen all of the movies and can’t wait to have a day to go to Orlando to visit this new exhibit opening at Universal Orlando.

Photo by OrlandoParksNews

NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES

U.S. residents ages 7-14 can enter The Real Magic of Harry Potter sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four family trips to the new Universal Orlando Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opening June 18th. To learn more and to enter, visit www.scholastic.com/harrypotter. All entries must be registered online by June 1, 2010.

FACEBOOK & TWITTER

Scholastic Facebook fans can visit Scholastic’s Harry Potter Facebook Tab to share the brand-new book trailer video, unlock and post Facebook exclusive virtual stickers, and participate in weekly polls on Harry Potter. Readers can also fan and follow Scholastic on Twitter @Scholastic (look for
#harrypotter), and On Our Minds @ Scholastic blog for the latest Harry Potter news and giveaways during the Campaign.

RETAIL PROMOTIONS

Beginning April 1, 2010, there will be special offer at participating retailers of “buy a copy of any Harry Potter paperback, and get the second copy at half price” for the month of April.

MOMSTART GIVEAWAY

One (1) Winner will receive the complete box set in paperback! ($90 retail value)

And don’t forget to check out Scholastic’s national sweepstakes; they are giving away 4 family trips to Universal Orlando Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opens June 18^th!

To Enter:

Tell me which book was your favorite

Extra Entries:

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Tweet about the giveaway and include a link

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Scholastic sent us a box set that we are going to donate to charity and they are also providing the giveaway set.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Harry Potter box set, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Master Exercise Kit for the Wii and Wii Fit

April 15, 2010 By Momstart 8 Comments

Thanks to The Game Review Network, I received Master Exercise Kit for Wii from CTA Digital.

Embark on a healthy Wii Fit™ workout regimen with the Master Exercise Kit for Wii from CTA Digital. With this basic yet handy bundle you’ll be able to properly use your Wii fit exercise games while you stay in shape.

That is the product description from CTA Digital. What is it to me? To me, it’s a great way to increase the workout that is already available from using my Wii Fit. I have the Wii Fit and the games that came with it, my favorite thing to do is the step aerobics and I have always wondered if there was a way to raise up the Wii Fit board safely.

What it contains:
Xertube Resistance Band
Calorie counting adapter for the Wii Remote
Yoga mat
Water Bottle
Balance Board Step cups

Compatible with the following Wii™ and Wii Fit™ exercise video game:
• The Biggest Loser™
• Daisy Fuentes Pilates™
• New U Fitness Focus™
• Your Shape™
• EA Active™
• Wii Fit™
• Wii Walk It Out™

What else has it been, it’s been a great helper to me in increasing the kids activity level during rainy days. Even Dad has been getting in on the fun. Everyone has been getting a turn on the Wii Fit lately and we don’t even always turn on the Wii.

The Calorie counter attaches to the end of the Wiimote. It’s just a simple calorie counter and it draws its power from the remote. It’s nice and simple. Works just fine.

The Yoga mat, is a green yoga mat that you place in the floor. It provides you with a little more comfort that just using the floor. The resistance band you have to attach the handles to it, but it’s a piece of cake. I think the entire Master Exercise Kit is a nice addition to the Wii Fit. It will increase your workout by adding resistance in multiple places. The bigger steps will work on the butt muscles that I so dearly need to get rid of.

Thank you to CTA Digital and Game Review Network for this review opportunity!

Filed Under: review, Video Games Tagged With: CTA Digital, Game Review Network, Master Exercise Kit, Wii Fit

Personalized Mothers and Fathers Day Gifts by Initials Giveaway

April 15, 2010 By Momstart 171 Comments

Initials, inc, a wonderful company that personalizes all items that are sold. Initials sent me a huge tote that I was able to personalize. I love it! It is so big it could hold one of the kids. Look at it:

It’s almost as big as the chair! I put Mom Start on it in big pink letters. It’s my only personalized bag and I can’t wait to tote it around at conferences and at the beach when I go visit my mom in Florida this year. Woo Hoo, I’m going to be on the beach.

The kids have already put some toys in it.

Part of the appeal of Initials is that they are a company that moms can work part time. It’s like Party-Lite, you can throw parties to sell the bags, and other personalized items. I mean, the items pretty much sell themselves because of how cute they are. The fonts are adorable and add just the right touch to pretty much any regular item.

SHOP: Customer Shopportunity -

HOST: Hostess Shopportunity –

JOIN: FREE WRISTLET – March 15 – April 15. Bonus for becoming a Creative Partner:

A little bit about Initials, Inc:

Initials, Inc. was founded by Sisters – Britney Vickery and Ivy Hall shortly after becoming SAHM’s. During that time they loved being home with their children but found that they were seeking three things; to be challenged creatively, to have time around other adults and to be able to contribute financially to their homes…but they didn’t want to give up time with their young families to get it. Initials, Inc. was created to meet those needs as women and new mothers. Over time, they quickly realized that the solution that they created for themselves could be a blessing to other women. Initials, Inc. officially launched in February 2005. Today, Initials, Inc. is national in scope and is supporting women and families all across the country through home parties selling their customer designed personalized treasures!

-We believe, “There’s Only One You!” and that is embodied by the products and opportunities offered to our customers and our Creative Partners.

Enter to Win:

A $50.00 gift certificate that can be applied toward your own Resort Tote, or toward any other product of your choice in the catalog.

To Enter:

Visit the Initials catalog and check out the wonderful products they carry.

Extra Entries:

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Tweet about the giveaway and include a link

Personalized Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts by Initials http://bit.ly/bfrQJH #giveaway #contest

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Inc., initials, Mother's Day gift idea, Mother's Day Giveaway, personalized gifts, personalized monograms

8 Days in Italy Courtesy of Olive Garden Giveaway

April 15, 2010 By Momstart 699 Comments

Want to win a trip to Italy? I sure would, in fact I already entered the giveaway. It’s a giveaway for an all-expense-paid trip to Italy. You could have eight days of discovering the secrets to Italian cuisine. Spend time taking interactive classes at the Culinary Institute of Tuscany. What’s not to like, right? Want to know how?

Now through May 9^th, Olive Garden is offering Italian food lovers a chance to win a culinary tour of Italy and an insider’s look at Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany. The sweepstakes will reward four grand-prize winners with an eight-day guided trip for two to explore and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of Italian culture. 500 first prize winners will be awarded a $25 Olive Garden gift card. You can enter at www.olivegardentriptoitaly.com.

Enter To Win:

Olive Garden sent me a gift pack to preview, and test out. It’s really cook a recipe and ingredients. Can’t wait to try it out. Here is the exact listing:

The gift pack includes a Culinary Institute of Tuscany canvas tote, bamboo cutting board, Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil sample, McCormick Mediterranean Spiced Sea Salt sample and recipe card for Olive Garden’s Pollo Rocca.

To Enter:

Tell me what your favorite dish is at The Olive Garden.

Extra Entries:

Enter the giveaway at the Olive Garden (5 extra entries)

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Tweet about the giveaway and include a link

Olive Garden Gift Pack Giveaway http://bit.ly/dmtJf1 #giveaway #contest

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Culinary Institute of Tuscany, Olive Garden, Trip to Italy

Meet Kate Hines:

Some of her Work includes:

Purchase for Mother’s Day

Enter to Win This:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Personalize your Clarisonic

My Opinion:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Enter to win your own Cupcake Extravaganza Set:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

To Enter to receive 1 month supply:

NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES

FACEBOOK & TWITTER

RETAIL PROMOTIONS

MOMSTART GIVEAWAY

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

A little bit about Initials, Inc:

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Enter To Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

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