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You’ve got a giveaway, I want to know about it! Oh, and if you list your giveaway on Mom Start facebook page then I will tweet it out to all of my twitter followers. At 8500 followers and growing all the time! Cool? I hope so!
I’ve got a few giveaways you might want to check out too!
You and your family are invited to the screening of RIO, featuring Angry Birds on Saturday April 9th.
RIO Synopsis:
From the makers of the hit ICE AGE series, RIO is a comedy-adventure, in 3D, about taking a walk on the wild side. Blu is a domesticated Macaw who never learned to fly, living a comfortable life with his owner and best friend Linda in the small town of Moose Lake, Minnesota. Blu and Linda think he’s the last of his kind, but when they learn about another Macaw who lives in Rio de Janeiro, they head to the faraway and exotic land to find Jewel, Blu’s female counterpart. Not long after they arrive, Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by a group of bungling animal smugglers. With the help of street smart Jewel, and a group of wise-cracking and smooth-talking city birds, Blu escapes. Now, with his new friends by his side, Blu will have to find the courage to learn to fly, thwart the kidnappers who are hot on their trail, and return to Linda, the best friend a bird ever had.
1 Pass for up to five people (2 winners)
Just Leave a comment saying you want to go.
Share this with your friends over Facebook inviting them to enter too, be sure to link to the giveaway.
This giveaway ends April 4th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
Summer is MIA this week with a cold and I was in the mood to make cookies. I’m terrible at baking a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have major issues with using butter and making the perfect batch of cookies. They are either too flat, took cake like or too crispy, never perfect. Earlier this week, I really wanted to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies but didn’t want to throw all of the ingredients together just to be disappointed again with how my cookies turned out. So, I looked on-line for a Cake Mix Cookie recipe. I found quite a few variations and decided to try a Yellow Cake Mix Cookie Recipe.
1 box of Betty Crocker Yellow Cake Mix (because she makes the best cake mix)
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil (applesauce of you want to use something healthier)
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Mix the cake mix, eggs, and oil, then gradually add the chocolate chips
Spoon onto cookie tray and cook in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cool on wire rack. Eat quickly because I was told they dry out quickly, wouldn’t know for sure because ours didn’t last more than a few hours.
These cookies are delicious. My husband and I have quite an addiction to the flavor of yellow cake mix. I was supposed to pick up more yellow cake mix at the grocery store because we’re out of cookies already. I guess I’ll be getting more cake mix next week. This recipe can be changed with any flavor of cake mix.
Oh wow, I can’t believe it’s been a year since the last Ultimate Blog Party. Last year, I participated just as a blog hopper visiting new blogs, and guess what, I found my roommate for blogher 2010 while participating. The Ultimate Blog Party is one of the best ways to meet new blogs that you haven’t ever read before.
Write up your own party post for people to come visit you at. Then At midnight tonight, well let’s say 12:45, because you know the site is going to crash right? It does every year. I’ll be linking up tomorrow morning when the list is at over 700 and something because I can’t stay up that late. Link yourself up in a linky, there will be twitter linkies, facebook linkes, and well five different linkies I believe don’t’ quote me ‘cause I’m not entirely sure. I just remember a lot of different linkes from last year. Winners this year will be contacted over Twitter. Make sure you are following @5minutesformom and watch the #UBP11 hashtag to see when winners are announced.
Then, go around hopping from blog to blog making new friends, meeting new blogs, and entering to win great prizes along the way. I hope to win something.
I’ve been blogging for 2.5 years, feels like it should be much longer than that but that’s it, just 2 and a half years. My husband bought my domain when I was pregnant with my first child and I didn’t start blogging until my second child was 6 months old and I’ve been blogging ever since.
I’ve tried sticking to a niche, but that’s just not for me. I started out blogging about saving money at the grocery store, wrote random posts about websites and then was launched into the world of mommy blogging and product reviews. Now I have to honestly say that my inbox is always over flowing but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I still blog about saving money, but have a few contributors that help me cover other areas, like green and organic, recipes, and a tasty treat every Thursday.
I have two kids, Miles and Zoe, at only 14 months apart they are very close and keep me busy and entertained. I love to travel and blogging allows me to have that little luxury. I also love to eat and try new things. My favorite new thing right now is my Windows 7 Phone. I’ve been wanting a smarter smart phone for a few years now and I finally have one and I LOVE it
I signed up to be a Blog Party Sponsor this year. You have the chance to win a 100.00 American Express Gift Card! See the Full Ultimate Blog Party Prize List for more details. And I’ve always got other giveaways going on.
I received a Windows Phone 7, the Samsung to review for National Reading Month. Well today is the last day of National Reading Month and I wanted to show you some of the best educational Apps on the Windows 7 phone. A recent AVG study showed that more kids aged 2-5 can play with a smartphone application (19 percent) than tie his or her shoelaces (9 percent). The reality is, young children are becoming technologically savvy younger and younger now-a-days. My son was able to unlock my sisters smart phone when he was only 1 year old. Kids just have a knack with smart phones.
Don’t be hesitant to let your children play with your phones. Giving them a piece of technology loaded with something educational would be the same as giving them a game, or book at the doctor’s office. It’s a great way to keep them occupied when you need to carry on a conversation or do something quickly.
Here is a list of 11 educational apps (because I had to include the Kindle app) some we actually tested out as a family.
Kindle – Users have access to more than 750,000 books with this app.
The Kindle is my favorite way to read books. Even on my iPad I was using the Kindle app to read my books. So now, I can read my books from anywhere, because I always have my phone with me.
Animal Kingdom – Teaches the names and sounds of animals in different languages with flashcards.
Animal Kingdom was fun and easy for the kids to play with. The touch technology is right on the mark, and the kids were able to listen to different animal sounds as we had fun naming each animal.
Flash Cards – Use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division or all of the above in one deck.
Again, too old for my children but this is a great way to get kids that need to learn those multiplication tables to practice. It’s quick and easy to use, and more fun than sitting there with mom and dad going over the same cards for hours.
Flashcards – Study from six built-in decks – Cell Biology, French Vocabulary, Spanish Vocabulary, Sports Trivia, State Capitols and Trigonometric Identities.
I thought these flash cards were kind of fun. I played with the Capitols for a while and realized, I’ve forgotten a lot of state capitols. I’m ashamed and embarrassed and I’m going to practice some more to re-learn them.
Flash Cards for Kids – Flash Cards that display the alphabet A to Z. Also displays the numbers (one through twenty), colors, shapes, planets and mini-games.
My kids had fun playing the alphabet. Any game that has the letters of the alphabet on it was appealing to them.
Giggle Pad – Fun and educational game for children ages 9 months and older. It includes two modes. The first mode, called “Play Phone”, is a pretend phone that speaks. Numbers, voices and songs play when you or your child press the pretend keys and call button. The second mode, called “Tap Shapes”, shows random shapes, letters, and numbers when you touch the screen or press a key on your phone’s keyboard. All letters, number, colors and shapes are spoken out loud.
Giggle Pad was really cool. The only draw back with it was that it was unable to accept dual finger input so my kids had just a little trouble because their fingers would be in one location when they needed to push on another location and they would get frustrated that it wasn’t accepting their intended input. I found it to be a very educational game when we got past that one barrier.
And a few more we didn’t get the chance to try:
English Grammar – Includes chapters on grammar and writing, focus on commas, adjectives and adverbs.
Flash Cardz! Alfabeto – Now you can learn your Spanish A,B, C’s the fun and easy way. With pictures and sounds!
Math Reference – Useful for quick access to math formulas. Contains basic and advanced math – great for parents who want to help their kids study but can’t recall the formula.
Slurpy the Fog – An activity book for preschool aged children designed to help your child learn shapes, colors, sizes, relationships and facts about the world.
Toddler Flashcards Plus – Toddler flashcards for animals, things, food, colors, numbers, shapes, the alphabet, and a “mix it up mode” for animals, things and food combined into one.
Disclosure: I received a Windows 7 Phone and service for a month to use the phone, however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
I love eating at Quiznos, they make my favorite subs, their bread is so good. What do you think about their subs? Want to try one for just 2.99?
Get any Small Sub for Only $2.99 – Print Coupon
It’s Spring Cleaning season, we’re all going through all of our stuff and deciding what is keep and what is junk. For me, I’m finding a lot more junk and stuff that I think I can live without. So, what do we do with all of it when we’re done with it. We sell it, or donate it or just need to find something to do with it to get it out of the house.
Me, I’m in full scale garage sale mode. FULL SCALE.
Now I’m wondering what the best way to advertise my garage sale is. Yard signs are still effective but with apps and everything moving on-line, I want to stay ahead of the game. With Garage Sales Tracker, I can do just that. Garage Sales Tracker allows garage and yard sale sellers and potential shoppers to connect to find some of the best sales in the area without wasting time. The listings at Garage Sales Tracker also include a listing of what is actually at sale at the garage sale. So no driving around, finding a sale only to find that there is nothing there that interests you. My husband and I are selling more stuff than we normally would because we’re trying to find an extra source of income, using garage sales tracker is a great way for families like us to raise money, find great bargains or purchase household items, clothes, and other items at negotiable prices. Garage Sales are a great way to buy things you need or want and save quite a bit of money.
Disclosure: Although this is a compensated post, my opinions of this service are my own.
American Express Membership Rewards celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary. When it was first launched 20 years ago it was innovative and over the years it has continued to innovate through new partners, categories and features. The program even now offers more than a million rewards from so many different brands, you would be surprised to see what all there is to choose from. Millions of card members have redeemed their points for things from movie tickets to trips to fine resorts.
The points possibilities are endless including social media. Can you imagine using your Membership Rewards as social currency connecting you to people and experiences that you love. American Express launched a new advertising campaign that showcases the possibilities that exist within the Membership Rewards program. Feel free to also check out what’s going on with American Express on their Facebook page.
Points Don’t Expire – Ever
Rewards at low points - even as low as 1,000 points
Travel Your Way – Use the Pay with Points feature to book flights, hotels, cruises and vacation packages.
Find Some Really Great Deals – At membershiprewards.com/specials, you can save points with great deals on select rewards like electronics, travel, entertainment, home accessories and more
More Options for your Points – You can automatically use your points on sites you use every day.
Redeeming is EASY – Just check your balance, choose your reward, and click to redeem.
Over the next three weeks I will be exploring the myriad of options to use American Express Membership Rewards on at three different point increments. I invite you to explore the points options with me and at the end of the program we’ll be giving away a 100.00 American Express Gift Card.
Disclosure: I am being compensated for my participation in American Express’ Membership Rewards Program through complimentary Membership Rewards Points. Thanks to American Express for providing the $100 American Express Gift Card giveaway prize. Information about the Membership Rewards Program has been provided by American Express. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
Sometimes it’s just easier to laugh about it, even if it truly is sad or depressing or angering at the core. Is laughter not the best medicine? Well, you can’t write a prescription for that … or can you …
With Save 2nd Base you can definitely write your own prescription by empowering your “pink with a wink” for breast cancer. The goal of the company is to honor Kelly Rooney by giving back to the Kelly Rooney Foundation and other breast cancer non-profits ($30,000 so far), and give people a voice to empower themselves over breast cancer using humor. The Kelly Rooney Foundation helps support the research and eradication of breast cancer concentrating its efforts on young women by pledging funds for research surrounding high-risk women under the age of 40. The Kelly Rooney Foundation was started after on July 11, 2006 Kelly Rooney lost her battle with breast cancer at 43 years young. She left behind a husband, five children, among other family members and many friends. “Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but we can fight it with HUMOR!” Save 2nd Base continues saying, “cancer can take one’s hair, energy, and mobility, but not your sense of humor.”
Kelly with her family
Kelly Rooney helped name the company Save 2nd Base, which was her team’s name for a local breast cancer walk and actually designed the original tee herself. The company, Save 2nd Base, offers healing through humor, awareness, and by donating to help find a cure using fun witty apparel for both men and women. They donate half of their earnings to organizations, such as the Kelly Rooney Foundation, searching for a cure to breast cancer which is stealing 2nd base.
In case you don’t get the 2nd base reference it refers to sexual activity in an innocent way using baseball terms. First base is kissing. Second base is breast action. Third lies below the belt. A homerun or home plate is going all the way. So the humor is “Save 2nd Base” has to do with one of the pleasures and features of being a woman.
Sadly, everyone seems to be touched by breast cancer these days. We have a young survivor in my MOMS Club chapter, my paternal grandmother had it, my husband’s grandmother had it, and my aunt (non-biological) had it too. But breast cancer doesn’t just attack women, men can get breast cancer too though it is less common in men. Remember to have your doctor check you your breast tissue at your annual physical and at the age of 40 you should also have your first mammogram. Though you are your first line of defense; know your body by performing MONTHLY self-breast examinations!
Save 2nd Base not only offers appear with their signature phrase, they’re finding more funnies for supports to wear, and it’s not just shirts for women. Save 2nd Base all offers hats, bags, a skort, flipflops and a magnetic decal. Here are some of my favorites:
I was sent a signature t-shirt thanks to Save 2nd Base to let you all know about their apparel line. So here’s the deal, when I have ordered from non-profits I often feel I’m really just donating, not getting a high quality product. However, when I pulled the t-shirts (yes, that’s an “s” … we have some giveaways!) out of the envelope I noticed how truly soft the alternative apparel’s “vintage soft” 100% cotton tees felt. I actually wore mine that day and night to get a feel for the shirt, and I like it. I’m a t-shirt girl, but I’m often very disappointed at the quality of t-shirts especially after a wash. This t-shirt did shrink a bit; I noticed more around than up. The fit is still dead-on for the female fitted t-shirt size. The fabric is still soft and comfortable. I really do love this t-shirt!
FRONT 
BACK 
If you’re interested in learning more about Save 2nd Base you can find out more on their site for news links, photos or to get your own favorite Save 2nd Base SWAG. You can also Like Save 2nd Base on Facebook and track them on Twitter @Save2ndBase so you stay in the know.
Get involved and help SAVE 2ND BASE!
GIVEAWAY:
Mom Start has a t-shirt for 2 readers. They are the pink “Kelly” fitted-T featured above. They are both a size XL which translates into a size 8-10 (chest 36-8”, waist 30-2”, length 36-8”). The value is $25 per shirt, so thank you to Save 2nd Base for being so generous to our readers!
To Enter:
Tell us a whiting and inspiring quote of your own AND visit Save 2nd Base telling us which product (by name) you’re put your humor on.
Extra Entries:
Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post
Check Out This Fun Save 2nd Base #Giveaway @Momstart & @Save2ndBase http://bit.ly/hYuQmY PL RT
Like Save 2nd Base on Facebook
Track them on Twitter @Save2ndBase
Subscribe to MomStart
Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
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This giveaway ends April 18th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
About Summer:
Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.
