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Elmer’s Virtual Bag it Forward For Charity #bagitforward

July 31, 2010 By 5 Comments

bag_it_forward My Friend Robyn at Robyn’s Online World sent me a virtual Bag it Forward invitation. For every post written 10.00 will be donated to Adopt-a-Classroom, up to 10,000. Elmer’s is celebrating back to school with a partnership with Wal-Mart and Adopt-A-Classroom to make a difference in children’s lives.

 

 

 

HOW CAN YOU JOIN? It’s easy.

  • Participate in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward and by giving away a virtual bag of school supplies and creating a blog post with specific rules described below.
  • Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom
  • You can give as many virtual bags as you want in your post, but only one post per URL is counted towards the donation. You can post at multiple URLs.
  • The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward will officially begin at 12 AM EST on July 22, 2010 and end at 12 PM EST on August 12, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted for.
  • The blog post link has to be submitted in the comment section below for your participation to be counted.
  • In addition copy and paste the following text in your blog post:

ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES

  • Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
  • Create a blog post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
  • Link back to person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
  • Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
  • Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
Filed Under: charity Tagged With: , , ,

Shrek Forever After Xbox 360 Video Game Review

July 30, 2010 By 3 Comments

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Zoe loves Shrek, we had a Shrek party for one of our playdates and ever since then she’s just been all about Shrek and Fiona. So when we received Shrek Forever After for the Xbox 360, she wanted to play it all the time. We haven’t spent too much time playing it because the weather has been so nice. I have to take the kids outside when we have sunshine because living in the Pacific Northwest we never know when that pesky rain is going to come back.

Shrek Forever After The Game teams you up with Shrek and his friends. You can play as Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Puss In Boots to out-smart, out-fight and out-play that crafty Rumpelstiltskin.

I watched as Zoe tried to play, she still has a little trouble with using the d-pad/joy stick on the controller. That’s fine with me though, I’d rather have her playing outside, but when the rain comes back, I’m sure she’ll improve her movement skills in these games we have.

Shrek I usually find Shrek to be quite annoying and well, that is his personality, but the game did not annoy me. I was able to play it and I love smashing up things. That is one of the highlights about playing the game is just the complete destruction factor and getting stuff for it. I also really liked how easy it was to switch between characters. That made Zoe happy because she always wanted to be Fiona. She knows that even though Fiona doesn’t look like the typical Princess she is still a princess.

shrekforeverafter The game features include:

Four play co-op mode. Nice for us as a family!

Character changes from Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, to Puss In Boots – Use each character’s unique abilities and fighting moves to save Far Far Away

Two Worlds to play in – Morph between Shrek’s normal world and his alternate reality for double the fun

Puzzle Mode or Combat destructive mode – The mix of problem solving and mash-em-up fighting game play creates a fun experience for everyone to enjoy!

 

As I said before we have barely even scratched the surface of this game and I feel this review is a little short-sided, but overall with what we have seen it’s a great family game. Zoe and I both enjoy playing it together.

 

I received this review as a member of the Game Review Network.

Filed Under: review, Video Games Tagged With:

Backyard Sports Sandlot Sluggers Xbox 360 Video Game Review

July 30, 2010 By 5 Comments

Backyard sports Backyard Sports Sandlot Sluggers was sent to us to review on behalf of The Game Review Network and Humongous, Inc. We were actually able to play this as a family of four. It was easy enough for the kids to play. Now, they couldn’t handle all aspects but on really great feature of the game is that we could place the kids’ characters to easy. Then it limited their actions to only a certain set of buttons. So we could tell them, hit A, hit the red button, or use the D-pad and of course their father has trained them in the ways of playing Xbox.

screenshot Another thing the kids got a great kick out of was picking their teams. Miles always wanted to be the Rockets, he got a kick out of saying “ROCKETS” and Zoe wanted to be the purple team and I can’t remember what they were called. It was a fun morning while we played Xbox 360 together. There aren’t a lot of games on the Xbox that are made for children and that are multi-player. This was great!

Sandlot Sluggers captured the kids attention and showed them all about baseball. They got to hit and pitch and then play a bunch of mini games. The games has messages about healthy, active lifestyles and positive social skills throughout the game. The game also contains a story mode, and super-power-ups that will keep them swinging for more. The Power-ups always helped the other child catch up when they were behind.

image Miles Playing with me.

 

 

I received this review as a member of the Game Review Network.

Filed Under: review, Video Games Tagged With: , ,

Giveaway Winners

July 30, 2010 By 5 Comments

Joe’s Crab Shack Summer Time Menu Giveaway

340 Melanie says:

 

The Steampots! We always get those..or there shrimp trios are pretty good.

 

Family Night 5 day Countdown #Giveaway

 

113

Liza says:

 

We always liked Dukes of Hazzard on Friday nights over pizza when I was a kid.

Thanks for the chance to win!

–Liza

ejm6x (at) yahoo (dot) com

 

Protect the surfaces in your house DuPont #Giveaway

 

73

Idaho Jill says:

 

I follow you on twitter – idahojill

 

Kmart Summer Camping Giveaway

 

498

Rachel Higgs says:

 

I love to wake up in the morning and make breakfast in a cast iron skillet. Some how eggs taste so much better outside

 

Infiniti by Conair You Curl Giveaway

 

291

Lynn says:

 

i’m an email subscriber

 

Parigi Group’s Apple Bottoms on my Daughter Giveaway

 

182

Kim D. says:

 

I tweeted http://twitter.com/kimmi78_sd/status/19474621906

 

Crayola Chalkboard Floor Puzzle Giveaway

 

115

Elizabeth Newsome says:

 

I like the USA Map floor puzzle!

Kid Adventures: Sky Captain Wii Review And Giveaway

July 6, 2010 By Momstart 379 Comments (Edit)

240

traci s says:

July 18, 2010 at 10:45 am • Edit

tweet , http://twitter.com/tracisme123/status/18857513357

Filed Under: winners Tagged With:

Christmas in July: Appaman Children’s Clothing Giveaway

July 30, 2010 By 25 Comments

snowmanchristmasevent Well, we were supposed to be wrapping up the Christmas in July giveaways today but we weren’t able to. So good news is we’ll have Christmas extended to August next week. Today’s giveaway is brought to you by Appaman.

Information provided by their website:

 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

100 years ago Roald Amundsen was the first man to put his feet on the South Pole. Derived from Amundsen’s explorations, Appaman’s Norwegian Explorer Collection includes pieces to keep your little adventurer cozy on winter expeditions. For dodging snowballs in the park, the Pilot Hat (SRP $30), Thermal Hoodie (SRP $42), and Polar Jacket (SRP $96) with Cargo Pants (SRP $ 36), will keep you toasty while the Alpine Gloves (SRP $28) will keep your pitching arm loose and flexible.

Little ladies can confidently strut their inner Carrie Bradshaw wearing Appaman’s Ruffle Dress (SRP $ 50) under the Motorcycle Jacket (SRP $90), Snow in the City style. Be the shining star of the ice with the Arrow Knit Dress (SRP $ 56) and twirl the day away. The ruffled Tuxedo Shirt (SRP $34) and popover hat (SRP $24 )complement Appaman’s super hip jeggings (SRP $28), a must have this fall. Hanging out around the fireplace in the late afternoon is a perfect time to bring out the tailored Gym Sweats (SRP $30) with the Awesome tee (SRP $32).

Appaman’s Fall 2010 Artist Capsule Collection comes from the dreamy work of Rachel Slalom. Slalom’s style is a playful, natural addition to the growing Appaman family. With an incredible attention to detail, Solomon’s zip placket dress (SRP $46) is a whimsical masterpiece. Take your daughter on a tour of nature with Rachel’s three pieces: Cats, Hummingbirds and Starry Nights.

With an expanded size range and brand new accessories collection, your little adventurers will look their best. The winter blues will be replaced with bright oranges, reds and purple. Jack Frost might be nipping at your nose but you have a play date with Appaman so go forth and explore. (credit Appaman)

 

You can Enter to Win:

Appaman scarf plus the Appaman backpack

To Enter:

Visit Appaman and tell me what looks like the product for your child.

Extra Entries:

Add the Christmas in July Giveaway button to your site for 3 extra entries.

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Appaman Clothing #Giveaway @momstart & @bookroomreviews http://bit.ly/9N9WER

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra)

For Even More Entries:

Enter over at Book Room Reviews

 

 

This giveaway ends August 16th, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , , , ,

Giveaway Jingle, Link your Giveaway Here!

July 30, 2010 By 6 Comments

here is this week’s installment.

You’ve got a giveaway, I want to know about it!

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Filed Under: linky Tagged With: ,

Snack Attack Gourmet Gift Baskets Giveaway

July 30, 2010 By 542 Comments

imageSnacking is a weakness in our family. I love sweets and my husband loves salty. So sometimes we just have to decide not to open something just for the sake of our overgrowing hips, or mine rather, I should speak for myself.

I wrote to Gourmet Gift Baskets and asked them if I could do a giveaway for them and they sent me a basket for me to donate to charity. Thank you for your delicious/mouth watering gift basket. Everything in it looks absolutely delightful and as much as I want to rip it open I have made myself decide that it is going to be a donation.

Gourmet Gift baskets have such a large assortment of gift baskets at their disposal. You can shop by occasion or just by flavor.

Check it out:

Italian, Beer,Snack, Tea & Cookies, Or Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Hanukkah, Mother’s Day, and Thank You. Plus much more. I have a neighbor that loves to garden so I know that if I ever need to get her a thank you gift I would get her a gardening gift basket.

Pretty in Pink™ Gardening Gift Basket (4312)

Enter to Win:

The Snack Gift Basket Medium 79.99

To Enter:

Become a Facebook fan of Gourmet Gift Baskets and write a message on their wall about what your favorite gift basket is.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Gourmet Gift Basket #Giveaway (AVR 79.99) http://bit.ly/bxCnWI

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra)

This is a sponsored product giveaway. This giveaway ends August 16th, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , ,

IHOP Despicable Me Menu Minion Giveaway

July 30, 2010 By 678 Comments

I have actually forgotten what a great family restaurant IHOP is. IHOP has a great menu and there is always something for the entire family there. In fact, my husband has more options at IHOP than he does at any other restaurant. The kids are always happy too, now with a Despicable Menu, everyone is in for a laugh and a happy tummy!

Meet the Minion Menu!

 

CinniMinions,

Loaded Minion Taters,

Minion Berry Pancakes and Minionade

We haven’t had the opportunity to try them ourselves yet nor have we seen the “Despicable Me” movie that earned the #1 spot at the box office the weekend it came out earning 61 million. The film is “a whip-smart family movie that makes inventive use of the summer’s ubiquitous 3-D technology is something worth cheering,” wrote USA Today movie critic Claudia Puig.

So have a weekend out with the family. Go watch Despicable Me in theaters and then go have Minion Berry Pancakes to eat.

Enter to Win:

25.00 Gift Card to IHOP

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what your favorite breakfast item is to eat.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

IHOP Despicable Me Menu Gift Card #Giveaway http://bit.ly/95aN0H

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra)

 

This is a sponsored giveaway we did not receive anything personally but IHOP is providing the giveaway gift card. This giveaway ends August 16th, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hillshire Farms Fresh Taste Challenge and #Blogher10

July 29, 2010 By 5 Comments

Hillshire Farms is going to be at BlogHer10 and I just saw who their guest star is going to be and I’m super duper excited. She is one of my favorite Reality TV personalities I can’t wait to say hello to her. EEEK! I’m not sure if it is public information yet so I won’t say, but I’m dying to!

+++++UPDATED+++++

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It is public, Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi is going to be the judge in a sandwich making competition at BlogHer!

Hillshire FarmHillshire Farms is my favorite lunch meat. One reason why I like it because you can get it in deli cuts and there are so many different meat flavors to choose from, turkey isn’t just plain turkey, you can get roasted turkey, honey roasted turkey; It’s all yummy to me. Anyways, the Hillshire Farm Fresh Taste challenge is for all moms. What you need to do is re-think your perception of how meat can taste.

By trying any participating Hillshire Farm lunchmeat; anyone who agrees that Hillshire Farm tastes fresher than they think pre-packaged lunchmeat tastes, can instantly download $5 in coupons at www.gomeat.com and, if not, can sign up for a $5 Grocery Gift Card.

 

And Here is a fun recipe to try

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Strawberry Lower Sodium Turkey Wrap

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Makes: 1 serving (1 wrap)

Ingredients:

1 whole wheat tortilla (8-inch)

1/4 cup baby spinach leaves

4 slices Hillshire Farm® Lower Sodium Oven Roasted Turkey

1/4 cup strawberry slices

1 tablespoon chopped red onion

1 teaspoon poppy seed salad dressing

1/4 teaspoon chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Top tortilla with spinach, strawberries and red onion. Drizzle with poppy seed

dressing and top with pecans, if desired.

2. Roll-up and serve immediately or wrap and plastic wrap and refrigerate until

ready to serve.

Filed Under: recipe, savings Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Christmas in July: SodaStream Giveaway

July 28, 2010 By 771 Comments

snowmanchristmasevent Now this really is like Christmas. SodaStream sent Tracy and I both a machine to review. Now I haven’t heard what she likes most about it yet, but she did tell me that her husband is in love with it. LOL.

Me, I love soda, coke is my favorite, next comes Dr. Pepper, unless you can find a bottle of imperial sugar DP. Then I’m in love and nothing comes next to it. So after coke those two I would have to say that I love sprite. Yes I love soda, well, once I had kids I gave up soda. Mostly. We don’t keep it in the house the same way we used to, but whenever I’m out at someone else’s house and they have soda, I LOVE it. So I drink their soda.

Sodastream was at the green fair last year and I was really interested in it. I love how you can make it at home, it has fewer calories and sugar in it, and it comes in a smaller portion than a 2 liter does. So I can make just enough and put some in the fridge and not worry about it getting flat before I have the chance to drink it all.

The SodaStream can be broken up into four different components.

The plastic machine base: Jet Soda Stream

 

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The plastic bottle and CO2

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The Soda Mix

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Now you might think I’m a little crazy and that’s ok, but I’m afraid of CO2 containers. I’ve seen too many action movies where they use them to explode other things so, I made my husband test out the entire process. Again, I must stress when I let my husband review things, he does not read the directions. Please read the directions unless you want to be cleaning up water from all over the floor.

Directions:

Take off the lid of the CO2 and Attach the CO2 to the plastic base

Fill up plastic bottle with water up to the line and Screw it on tightly

Press the pump at the top of the plastic base and hold it down until it buzzes (repeat 3 times)

Then be sure to enjoy your soda!!

 

Enter to Win: 

Jetsodastream A Fountain Jet SodaStream, plus a lot of soda flavors (Valued at over 100.00)

To Enter:

Visit SodaStream and tell me which flavor you would like to try. Be sure to notice how each flavor is lower in calories compared to other major soda brands.

Extra Entries:

Add the Christmas in July Giveaway button to your site for 3 extra entries.

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Win a Sodastream @bookroomreviews & @momstart #giveaway #contest http://bit.ly/99mmya RT

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra)

Another Chance to win! Yes that’s right Book Room Reviews is giving away her own SodaStream. Each blog is giving away 1 Soda Stream so you have two chances to win.

Enter over at Book Room Reviews

 

This is a product sponsored post and giveaway. This giveaway ends August 16th, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , , , ,
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