myblogspark — MomStart

Gevalia Kaffe #MyBlogSpark

February 4, 2012 By Momstart 182 Comments

Did you know that I can have ground coffee in my Keurig. Yep, we purchased a single cup coffee ground holder the Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter for our Keurig and now I enjoy every kind of coffee one cup at a time whenever I want. So we’re trying Gevalia Kaffee courtesy of MyBlogSpark in our Keurig!.

The Swedes know a thing or two about coffee. They know quality coffee should be savored and enjoyed. They also know you deserve a more unique/special coffee experience than what you can pick up on every street corner. Something we know something about here in the Seattle area. There is more than one coffee on every block in Seattle because there is at least one Starbuck in addition to little mom and pop shops. We love our coffee here.

Gevalia has been refining the art of luxurious coffee since 1853 and has a deep history of finding and blending the finest Arabica coffee beans from locations around the world. Gevalia is a luxurious departure from the everyday, an escape from the routine cup of coffee, it brings the taste of Swedish-style luxury into your home. In Sweden, where they say that citizens drink more coffee than almost anywhere else in the world, Gevalia is their preferred brand. I can’t imagine that they drink more the Seattle does. Just can’t fathom that. In fact, Gevalia enjoys the honor of being an official coffee of the Swedish Royal Court. Wow, now that is an interesting fact!

Gevalia, now available at Safeway, brining an unexpected Swedish-style luxury and rich, never bitter taste to the Safeway grocery aisle.

Gevalia is also on Facebook

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Sarah.

Kraft Foods has provided sample product to me and is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by MomStart.

We received samples for administrative hosting purposes, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Gevalia Kaffe, giveaway, Kraft, myblogspark

Sends Some Cheer Cheerios® and the USO #MyBlogSpark

November 26, 2011 By Momstart 173 Comments

I love working with MyBlogSpark because I love General Mills and their products. You can just look through my archives to know it’s true. It feels like forever since I’ve worked with them and this time we’re bringing you a bit more charity. This is something that’s really easy to do with Cheerios for the USO. Send some Cheer, Cheerios Cheer.

When our troops are called to serve, their families must rise to meet the challenges of service as well. To thank them, Cheerios^® and the USO have partnered in a postcard campaign that spreads Cheer directly to these honorable military families and supports USO programs.

Here´s how it works:

Now through November, 2011 at your local grocer, specially-marked boxes of Cheerios cereal will feature Cheer postcards on the front of the box. Consumers can simply cut out the postcard from the Cheerios logo, write a message of thanks on the back, add a stamp and mail the pre-addressed card to the USO. The USO will deliver the Cheer card to military families across the country.

For each postcard received through November 2012, Cheerios will make a $1 donation to the USO to help fund programs that support military families.

To kick off the campaign, Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received from specially marked boxes now through November 30th, 2012.

Sending a "Cheer" postcard is a simple way to say thanks and lift the spirits of our country´s military families. So, take a moment out of your day to spread some Cheer and send a message of thanks!

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Coriander Warren.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

"Disclosure: Cheerios cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: cheerios cheer, cherrios, giveaway, myblogspark, USO

A Girl and Her Fashionable Naturalizer Shoes @NaturalizerShoe #MyBlogSpark

October 3, 2011 By Momstart 455 Comments

I originally thought this post would be all about me, but no. My daughter stole the show. I was trying on these fantastic shoes that Naturalizer sent me on behalf of MyBlogSpark and she had to have them on her feet asap. Let me show you!

First they were on my feet, and I have to say, I’m not enjoying the way my legs look, but I do really love the way they look with jeans. See!

And here she is all depressed in her purple rain boots that are a size too big. They make her fall, the other ones I thought were too small, sometimes kids really do need in between sizes. Naturalizer is available in a broad range of sizes and widths from sizes 4.5 to 12 with narrow, medium and wide widths in most styles. Naturalizer boots are also offered in Wide Shaft so women with fuller or athletic calves can find tall boots with a perfect fit. I’ve always had a very hard time with boots because my calves were too big. It’s not that I’ve ever been that large but my calves were a large part of me.

Naturalizer offers a variety of styles including tall boots, loafers, wedges, pumps, platforms, flats, booties and oxfords. The fall collection from Naturalizer has something for everyone, with feminine details and styles inspired by a range of classic and contemporary trends. If you’re a shoe lover like my daughter they are sure to turn any frown upside down. Look at her transformation.

Since 1927, Naturalizer has proven that wearing the latest footwear fashions can be comfortable, stylish and affordable all in one. They are quite comfortable, I was surprised at how much so. I never ever thought heals could be comfortable.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Cristina W.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

We received samples from MyBlogSpark on behalf of Naturalizer & Brown Shoe Company to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: fashion, giveaway, myblogspark, naturalizer, shoe, show giveaway

Naturalizer Shoe To The Rescue

July 11, 2011 By Momstart 19 Comments

Last year was my first time to attend BlogHer, it wasn’t my first conference but it was my first BlogHer. BlogHer is the largest women’s blogging conference out there and many of the parties were off site and I did a LOT of walking. I knew that it was going to be that way and I did break in my shoes but it wasn’t enough. I still had blisters way before all was said and done. Here are the guilty parties:

They may look innocent, but alas they are not. So this year my plan is to let Naturalizer sponsor me to Blogher 11 and let me sport three different styles of their brand representing comfort, fashion, and function!

I know I have plenty of cute outfits to be matched with these shoes. The Alarm, Kiril, and Violette are made from rich leathers, soft suedes, and have cute details that I adore. The simple bows on the Alarm, the clasp on the Kiril both catch my eye with the simplicity and functionality they poses. It’s like Naturalizer footwear captures the essence of modern femininity, allowing me to walk around the Expo Hall, run to my room change my dress for the parties, but leave on the same shoes.

Here are a few of the outfits I plan on pairing them with.

Now, if Naturalizer chooses to sponsor me to Blogher this year, I also get to help others with Shoe To The Rescue. I’ll have 30 pairs in full and half sizes 4 – 11 of the Violette to give out to attendees I see in need of a "shoe rescue." You know how I will identify you, I’ll be attending some of the parties and if I see you with your shoes off, I’ll know you need a "shoe rescue" and I’ll ask you what size you wear and we’ll get you hooked up with comfort.

Don´t forget to Follow Naturalizer on Twitter and Like Naturalizer on Facebook!

This opportunity was presented to me by Naturalizer and the Brown Shoe Company, through MyBlogSpark, and that this post serves as my entry to win a sponsorship for my attendance at the 2011 BlogHer Conference.

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: blogher contest, blogher11, dress, fashion, myblogspark, naturalizer, shoe review, shoe to the rescue, shoes

I Want Me Some Honey Nut Cheerios, America’s Favorite Cereal Giveaway

July 9, 2011 By Momstart 433 Comments

It just so happens that one of my favorite cereals was recently voted America’s favorite cereal*. I love Honey Nut Cheerios, ok I love a lot of stuff, but I do really enjoy a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. I think they are just the right sweetness and they take a little bit longer to get soggy than most cereal. You see, when I eat cereal it’s a race against the milk. I hate soggy cereal, so I don’t eat very many kinds of cereal. But I do enjoy Honey Nut Cheerios.

As a special thanks for making Honey Nut Cheerios^® cereal America´s #1 choice, they are hosting a "Billion ‘O’ Giveaway" providing free samples of Honey Nut Cheerios^® cereal to fans beginning July 4, 2011, available while supplies last. I just checked to see if the offer is still up and it is, you get a sample now, even though I think they were giving away full size boxes. But you also get a coupon for .75 cents off a box of Honey Nut Cheerios which is a good coupons. So zip on over to www.FavCereal.com for your sweet sample.

It´s a celebration Honey Nut Cheerios^® plans to keep going all summer long. So start your day with a touch of honey sweetness and heart-healthy whole grain oats – grab a spoon and let´s enjoy this moment together. You can even showcase your colony´s love for America´s Favorite Cereal by throwing a buzz-tastic breakfast bash for your family with Honey Nut Cheerios^®. Thanks a BILLION for your support!

*Based on Nielsen sales data, 52 weeks ending 1/1/2011.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Michelle C.

We received samples to facilitate this review.

MyBlogSpark provided samples on behalf of General Mills and is also providing the prize package. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: America's Favorite Cereal, Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, myblogspark

Make Eating Healthy Yoplait Kids Yogurt #MyBlogSpark

February 23, 2011 By Momstart 211 Comments

Lunch time is and has been Zoe’s favorite meal for quite some time. She associates lunch time as Peanut Butter and Jelly with carrots, but today I wanted to make lunch a little different. So we had Ham and cheese, carrots and some of Yoplait Kids Yogurt in a cup. She’s not big on change so the yogurt smoothed over the fact we were having Ham instead of peanut butter.

When Miles and I went to the grocery store yesterday we set off to find the Yoplait Cars cups, but our grocery store only had Dora and Disney Princess, so I asked Miles to choose which one he wanted and he said, Let’s get princess yogurt for Zoe, it’s her favorite. So today, my little princess is sitting there eating her princess yogurt and look how happy she is.

How do you get your kids to be ok with healthy options at the table?

Visit Yoplait on Facebook to “Like” the brand. Also, be sure to “Follow” Yoplait on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Yoplait.
In addition, you can visit MyBlogSpark to download a printable coupon* for $0.50 off the purchase of one (1) four-pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt today!

*This coupon offer for a free four pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Enter to Win:

One Coupons for Yoplait Kids Yogurt and a foldable travel cooler (to take your yogurt on-the-go), a cool four-piece spoon set, a power magnet picture frame, trendy alphabet-shaped “Kiddie Bands”, a great big bounce ball and a “My First Scavenger Hunt” card game for some after-snack fun.

To Enter:

Leave me a comment on how you make meal time more healthy

Extra Entries:

Like Yoplait on Facebook

“Follow” Yoplait on Twitter

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

RT @MomStart: Make Eating Healthy Yoplait Kids Yogurt #MyBlogSpark http://bit.ly/ei5ZDF

Subscribe to my blog
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, or like (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect

MyBlogSpark on behalf of Yoplait Kids provided me with samples to facilitate this review and host this giveaway. They are supplying the prizing as well to the winner.

This giveaway ends March 14th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: my blog spark, myblogspark, yogurt, yoplait, Yoplait Kids

Party Time with Chex Mix Create a Party Mix Recipe

December 16, 2010 By Momstart 32 Comments

Win everything you need to make a great Chex Mix. I love baking a Chex party mix as a snack even though I haven’t done so in a long time. I’ve been so busy with the kids but it’s such an easy thing to do so I really have no excuse. I’m sure if I searched in the pantry I would find everything I need to make one. All it is, is Chex Cereal of one kind or use all three varients, then add nuts, pretzels or crackers, butter or oil, salt or garlic powder or both. You can actually use any seasoning you want your party mix to taste like. Visit your local Walmart to find free recipe cards for Chex Lemon Buddies as well as the new Chex Apple Pie Snack Mix and Tex Chex^® Party Mix recipes! The blend of flavors in the new homemade mixes will help you create irresistible new favorites and wow your crowd! Here are a few recipes courtesy of Chex Mix.

Basic Chex Mix Recipe:

3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup bite-size pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned

Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal
2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
2 cups Honey Nut Chex® cereal
8 oz pecans

Prep

To ease the load of last-minute prep, make the mix up to 2 weeks ahead and store in an airtight container.

Directions:
1. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In large microwavable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated.

2. Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes or until mixture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in airtight container.

Or How About

Chili-Lime Chex Mix

8 cups Corn Chex® cereal
1 cup corn nuts
1 cup bite-size cheese crackers
1 cup mini pretzel twists
1 cup corn chips
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, corn nuts, crackers, pretzels and corn chips. Set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in lime juice, lime zest and seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.

2. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

With at least over 50 recipes on the Chex Mix website it seems like the sky is the limit. I couldn’t believe all the possibilities, and then it got me to thinking, what would your recipe be?

Enter to Win:

Chex Mix Swag Bag
Box of Rice Chex Cereal
Set of Measuring Cups

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what you like to season your Chex Mix with

Extra Entries:

Follow me on Google Friend Connect
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble or use any of the share methods below facebook included (just leave a link to this post wherever you share it
Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post

Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends January 3. I received samples of Apple Cider K-cups to facilitate this review. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

The products received were from myblogspark on behalf of Chex Mix to facilitate this review and blog post.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: basic chex mix, chex mix, chili Lime Chex Mix, giveaway, myblogspark, pumpkin pie chex mix

Progresso Soup Gift Package Giveaway

December 4, 2010 By Momstart 196 Comments

Have you seen the hilarious Progresso Soup can commercials? They have top chef’s calling and finding out how to make great soup using the Progresso can phones. They made me laugh, and when MyBlogSpark said they were going to send me a Progresso phone, I didn’t understand what they were sending until it actually arrived. They sent me two cans, cleaned, empty and a hole cut in the bottom of them with a string tying them to each other. I forgot all about this kind of cup phone. We used to use plastic cups, what did you use? So I let the kids play with the phone, it only works if the cord is actually taunt. The fun with the phone was short lived because they actually started whacking each other with their phone. Not sure where that came from but it ended.

I actually have a lot of Progresso soup in my cupboard already, General Mills has excellent sales at Albertsons and it is very easy to get the soup next to nothing in price. I probably paid 40 cents a can that day, which I think is a good price for a can of Progresso Soup. Here is a rundown of a few of their soup groups!

Progresso® New World RecipesTM – Inspired by Mexican recipes, explore one of the fastest growing ethnic cuisines by giving the Progresso New World Recipes line a try. Made with authentic Mexican ingredients and seasonings, four new Progresso soups will be hitting grocery shelves near you – Chicken Tortilla, Meatball & Rice, Black Bean Jalapeno and Chicken & Vegetable.
Progresso Light – America´s number one Light soup just got better, as all 13 existing Progresso Light varieties are now packed with bigger pieces of white meat chicken, more tender pieces of beef or added vegetables. Need even more to talk about? Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder is the first creamy Light ready-to-serve soup that holds true to the Progresso Light name with just 1 Weight Watchers® POINTS® value per serving!
Progresso Reduced Sodium – With 49 percent of shoppers concerned about high cholesterol1, Progresso understands the importance of soluble fiber and reduced sodium diets. New Reduced Sodium Tomato Parmesan soup is one more tasty option that has a delicious blend of flavors and carries the "May Help Lower Cholesterol"2 benefit. In addition, five additional Reduced Sodium soups also carry the "May Help Lower Cholesterol"2 benefit.
Progresso High Fiber – With 9 out of 10 Americans not getting the recommended Daily Value of fiber, Progresso High Fiber line of soups are packed with 7 grams per serving. Giving you one more thing to talk about, Progresso brand´s first Chili Soup just joined the High Fiber family!
For more information about the new and improved varieties of Progresso soups as well as great recipe ideas, visit www.progressosoup.com today! Also, check out Progresso on Facebook to "Like" the brand and keep up with the latest news on your favorite Progresso products, both new and old!

Enter to Win:

one can of Chicken Tortilla Progresso Soup and one can of Light New England Clam Chowder Progresso soup, a spoon rest, soup can rack, and soup mug with matching spoon

To Enter:

Leave a comment here telling me which flavor of Progresso Soup is your favorite.

Extra Entries:

Tweet: RT @MomStart: Progresso Soup Gift Package Giveaway http://bit.ly/extMjt
Enter The Commit A Minute Giveaway
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble or use any of the share methods below facebook included (just leave a link to this post)
Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway (3 extra entries))

Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends December 20th. I received products from Myblogspark on behalf of Progresso. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: general mills. Progresso High Fiber, myblogspark, New World Recipes, Progresso, Progresso Light, Progresso Reduced Sodium

Kid Tested Mother Approved Prize Pack Giveaway

November 23, 2010 By Momstart 42 Comments

You know before I had kids, I never every tried Kix before. Then after having kids, I think my husband brought home a box of Kix once. I thought to myself, they can’t eat that, they have to eat cheerios. Well, I took one really good look at the nutritional content and said, yep, I approve, they can eat it. I even tried it, I was surprised that I actually liked it too.

Today´s busy schedules and hectic morning routines can leave you looking for simple, nutritious solutions to help your little ones grow into "big kids."

When it comes to starting off your day right, a new survey from Kix found that 84 percent of parents turn to cereal with milk for a quick and healthy breakfast. With the same great taste kids have loved for more than 70 years, Kix makes it easy to serve your family a simple and healthy breakfast! Whether you choose to serve Original Kix or Honey Kix, you can be sure that your kids are getting a wholesome food with nutrients they need to grow.
The "Kid-Tested Mother-Approved^®"cereal is made with whole grain corn and is an excellent source of iron. It also is a good source of calcium, fiber, and Vitamins C and D. Original Kix has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
To find out more, visit the recently launched Kix website, www.KixCereal.com, featuring background on the history of Kix, nutritional content, and special offers.

Enter to Win:

Kix "Kid-Tested, Mother-Approved" prize pack including a 24-piece counting-themed floor puzzle, fun learn-to-count flashcards, a sippy cup, a portable snack container and a box each of Original Kix and Honey Kix cereals

To Enter:

Leave A comment on this post telling me How you make your busy morning routine special for your family?

Extra Entries:

Tweet: Kid Tested Mother Approved Prize Pack #MyBlogSpark #giveaway http://bit.ly/ePK1uV

List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar.

This giveaway ends December 13th, I received a product as compensation from MyBlogSpark on behalf of Kix! All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: cereal review, Kid Tested Mother Approved, Kix, Kix cereal, myblogspark

Hamburger Helper Show Your Helping Hand Feeding America Giveaway

November 23, 2010 By Momstart 49 Comments

Did you know how easy it is to support your local food bank. By using coupons and sales, you can get food, supplies, and all kinds of things for free, or next to nothing and then take it to your local food shelter. When I was really big into contacting companies for coupons I found out that many companies, send food to Feeding America, and then Feeding America disperses the food to food banks across the country. I found that to be very interesting. So when MyBlogSpark contacted me about Hamburger Helper’s Show Your Helping Hand campaign to support Feeding America, I realized I wanted to help in any way that I could and by posting this post Hamburger Helper will make a $10 donation to the Show Your Helping Hand campaign on Mom Start’s behalf.

According to Feeding America, approximately 5.7 million different people receive emergency food assistance from the organization in any given week.

To raise awareness about the national issue of hunger, Hamburger Helper^® is partnering with GRAMMY^® Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor Tim McGraw to help Feeding America deliver millions of meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping HandTM campaign. McGraw will lend his voice to the campaign through a Public Service Announcement which will be distributed nationwide.

Support the campaign by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at www.showyourhelpinghand.com or by logging on to make a donation. Hamburger Helper has already donated more than half a million dollars and will contribute up to an additional $100,000 to Feeding America through this program. Don´t think one code will make a difference? The 17 cents Hamburger Helper donates per code is enough for Feeding America to deliver one meal to a local food bank. And your friends and family can also have a chance to win an autographed copy of Tim McGraw´s "Southern Voice" CD by visiting www.showyourhelpinghand.com.

Enter to Win:

A prize pack that includes a box of Hamburger Helper skillet meals, a Hamburger Helper foam "Helping Hand" and a copy of Tim McGraw´s "Southern Voice" CD

To Enter:

Leave A comment on this post telling me how you will encourage others to submit codes to Show your Helping Hand.

Extra Entries:

Tweet: Show Your Helping Hand & Win Tim McGraw´s "Southern Voice" CD Prize Pack #MyBlogSpark #giveaway http://bit.ly/hzBzed

List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar.

This giveaway ends December 13th, I received a product as compensation from MyBlogSpark on behalf of Hamburger Helper! All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: feeding america, myblogspark, Show Your Helping Hand, Southern Voice, Tim McGraw