Blog Archives
Discovery Girls Cover Creator App Review & App + Subscription Giveaway Ends 5/28th
I remember being a young girl & begging my mother for fashion magazines. I don’t think it was so much about fashion, as much as it was a magazine that I could relate too. For my birthday one year, I received a gift subscription to a teen type magazine. Every month I anxiously waited for the magazine to hit the mailbox. When it came it, I instantly read it cover to cover!
Times haven’t changed much, but content sure has. I try an monitor what my daughter reads to ensure that the teen/tween type magazines are age appropriate for my daughter & what she can relate to.
Not only am I a huge fan of Discovery Girls Magazine, but they have recently launched a Discovery Girls Cover Creator App available on IPhone, IPad, or ITouch. Users can create a their own magazine cover with any photo from their album or take a picture with the camera.
Your favorite tween can use templates or create a magazine cover using their own design with text, drawings, or embellishments. It’s fun, easy to use, & the possibilities are endless. My daughter fiddled with my iPhone to create her own Magazine cover. It takes minutes to use & the photos can be saved to your albums, email to any account, or can be email to Discovery Girls where they can be uploaded to their Covers Made By You section.
The App can be downloaded for only $1.99 BUT Discovery Girls Magazine has graciously offered to give one of my readers their very own Cover Creator by Discovery Girls for iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® & a complimentary subscription to Discovery Girls magazine!
If your daughter (or favorite tween) hasn’t read a Discovery Girls Magazine Issue before, she will be in for a treat. For the last 10 years, Discovery Girls Magazine has created a forum for girls to help each other and to show their readers that whatever they
might be going through, they are not alone. Discovery Girls Magazine feels it is important to give girls a voice and the opportunity to express themselves.
To Enter the Giveaway: Ends May 28th, 2012 at 11:59pm.
Mandatory Entry: Answer a simple question listed below,
Did you have a favorite tween/teen magazine you enjoyed reading as a young girl? If so, which magazine was it?
Additional Entries:
1. Go to http://www.discoverygirls.com/ & let me know one thing that you learned from their website. Leave a comment on this post with your answer.
2.“Like” Discovery Girls on Facebook Comment on this post & let me know your a Facebook Fan of theirs.
3. “Follow” Discovery Girls Magazine on Twitter. Comment on this post letting me know your a Twitter Follower.
4. Share this post on any social media site. Comment on this post letting me know where you shared this post. You can do this everyday for an additional entry! 1 comment per day per social media platform.
Good Luck!!
Disclosure I was given proper measure to facilitate this review. All opinion are my own & can not be influenced in any way.
(Giveaway Closed) Summer Travel Series: Travel Essentials + Gulf Island Waterpark Family 4 Pack Day Ticket Giveaway Ends May 7th 11:59pm
Packing for a family trip can be stressful. Whether the trip is for a weekend or a full week, every family must have basic essentials within reach. I am currently planing a short weekend trip to Florida. Although I’m not leaving the Gulf Coast area, I need to make sure I have certain items handy.
One thing on my mind is safety & emergency planning. I will be making this trip without my husband & children. While some might think this sort of trip would be liberating, for me it’s mostly about planning for the unknown.
I’ve created a short list of Travel Essentials every family must plan for.
Travel Essentials:
1. Emergency Tool Kit
All vehicle travelers must plan for an emergency, whether it be a break down or a flat tire. I like to carry a 12 pack of water for other emergency purposes, but having water handy can also assist with vehicle overheating.
2. Copies of Any Legal or Vehicle Documentation
If traveling Internationally, having additional copies of legal documents can help if any pertinent information becomes lost or stolen while traveling. I once had to have my insurance company fax me updated copies of my ID cards due to policy renewal being updated while I was on vacation. I went on vacation in between one 6 month period into another 6 month period and I had old documentation in my car at the time.
3. Pack for Weather Change
Nothing is worse than traveling in the Summer, only to find out your travel destination is currently experiencing a Cold Front! If your traveling to Louisiana, that is exactly what you will get. Cold one day-hot the next!! Make sure you bring light windbreakers & a few pant selection just in case.
Also, make sure you bring comfortable shoes during any trip. It may take up suitcase space, but you will regret walking all over a major city in cute spring sandals!
4. Restock the First Aid Kit
You may already have an amazing First Aid kit, but when was the last time you updated its contents? When I travel with my family, I always carry a backpack filled with essentials. The very day I think I will not be needing it, is the day a chaotic medical situation occurs. Don’t forget about your seasonal allergy medicines, insect repellant & sun supplies!
5. Travel with Emergency Hydration & Nutrition
Packing extra hydration or snacks is not just for the kids. There are times it can become a medical emergency. Blood sugar can drop or someone have have a coughing/choking episode. Having those essentials items can make a huge difference.
Logo courtesy of Gulf Island Waterpark
Giveaway:
May is here! The sun is shining and our families are itching for family fun & relaxation! One of my families favorite spots to do both is by visiting Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Mississippi. Gulf Islands Waterpark is a short drive from the New Orleans Area or the Mobile Area. If your planning a trip to the Gulf Coast soon, Gulf Island Waterpark needs to be on the top of your attraction list.
Opening Day is May 12th but if your a Gulf Island Waterpark Season Pass Member, you can visit May 5th for their preview day. Gulf Island Waterpark has plenty of ride for the children and a full calendar of special events. This summer your child can meet ROCKY (ZENDAYA COLEMAN) FROM DISNEY CHANNEL’S SHAKE-IT-UP, MEET GIBBY (NOAH MUNCK) FROM NICKELODEON’S iCARLEY, attend KIDZ PALOOZA WITH SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, and other fun-filled events for the whole family.
My family has been season pass members for the last 2 years. I can say that being a Season ticket Holder is the way to reach maximum savings. One of my favorite things about spending the summer at Gulf Island Waterparks, although it is a large park safety is always key. The park is well-maintained, rides lines are never outrageously long & the park staff is 100% focused on safety.
If your interested in visiting Gulf Island Waterpark you can visit their website: http://www.soaknfun.com/, on Facebook & on Twitter. If you want to have an inside look, make sure to check their fun YouTube page as well.
Who wants to WIN a Family 4 pack of Day Tickets for their loved ones?? Prized valued at up to $100!To enter the contest you must answer the mandatory entry listed below.
Go to Gulf Islands Waterpark website: http://www.soaknfun.com/. Comment below and let me know what is the one thing you learned about Gulf Island Water Park.
Additional Entries:
1. Follow Gulf Island Waterpark on Twitter .Comment below letting me know you are a twitter follower of @GIWP
2. Subscriber to their Youtube Channel Comment below and let me know you are not a youtube subscriber.
3. Share this giveaway using any of the sharing links listed below. Come back and let me know where you shared the giveaway. You can do this once a day, for an entry EVERYDAY until the giveaway is over!!! Everyday you share please comment below to let me know you get an extra entry.
4. Follow me on Twitter. Comment below letting me know your a follow of @jeffmarias2001
Remember, you can share everyday to receive an extra entry, BUT you must comment back letting me know you shared so I can keep track of the entries. All entries will be validated. Contest will end May 7th at 11:50 Central time. I have the Giveaway Prize on hand and will email winner within 24 hours of winner selection.
Nickel’s: “A Tale of Dissociation” by Christine Stark Review & Giveaway 4/6- 4/20
Nickels follows a biracial girl named “Little Miss So and So”, from age 4-1/2 into adulthood. Told in a series of prose poems, Nickels’ lyrical and inventive language conveys the dissociative states born of a world formed by persistent and brutal incest and homophobia. The dissociative states enable the child’s survival and, ultimately, the adult’s healing. The story is both heartbreaking and triumphant. Nickels is the groundbreaking debut of Minneapolis-area author and artist Christine Stark.
“Christine Stark has crafted a language and a diction commensurate with the shredding of consciousness that is a consequence of childhood sexual abuse. She brings us a wholly original voice in a riveting novel of desperation and love. Every sentence vibrates with a terrible beauty. Every sentence brings the news.”
–Patricia Weaver Francisco, author of Telling: A Memoir of Rape and Recovery
“To be taken into the mind of a child can be an enchanting adventure, but to be taken into the mind of a child who is abused, confused, and taken for granted is a lingering, livid journey. I applaud her fortitude to bring an olden–too long ignored– truth out of the darkness with blazing, innovative light.”
–MariJo Moore, author of The Diamond Doorknob
“In Nickels, Christine Stark, powerfully portrays the story of abuse and its impact on our lives. When this beautifully written and compelling story leaves, you are left wanting more. It’s riveting; a book that will capture you from the beginning and carry you through the end. Everyone should read this book.”
–Olga Trujillo, author of The Sum of My Parts
From the Reflections of America Series at Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com
Now for the giveaway. The author is kind enough to let me give Two of my readers a chance to win a copy of NICKELS for themselves. Each winner may select printed or eBook (Kindle, Nook, or Kobo) for their copy depending on what they personally prefer. This is open to the US who are 18+. The giveaway will run from 4/6 to 4/20. To enter just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. There are entries you can do daily for more chances to win. Good Luck & Happy Reading.
To Enter Click on link Below for Rafflecopter Form:
Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler Review + Giveaway Ends 03/26th 11:59pm
Recycling is a big part of our lives. Although it doesn’t seem like a chore, my kids are so used to recycling by now that it comes second nature to them now.
Like many families, we started off small by recycling aluminum cans, then we moved on to paper products like cardboard. Eventually we started a bin for plastics and other materials. Once our children understood the concept of recycling better, we started bringing them to the recycling location nearby so they can observe what happened once we turned in any reusable materials. I’m so glad my husband brings our children because it was a huge eye opener for them & they became even more excited about recycling!
7yr old Daniel taking his cans to the recycling location
Daniel at our local recycling station.
Rubbermaid has some new recycling products available that help make recycling less of a challenge. Rubbermaid sent their Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler to review. The Hidden Recycler is a great way to get your recyclables out of sight. It comes with all necessary screws that attaches to any cabinet door. this allows you to sort through recyclables and garbage instantly without any mess or fuss. The large handle allows you to transport the bag to your central recycling hub within or outside the house.
My favorite part about the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler is the leak-proof liner that is also machine washable. Yes, I said machine washable!! Not only is the product great for keeping your recyclables organized, it is also made from recyclable materials which means Rubbermaid is practicing what it preaches.
Photo Provided by Rubbermaid
Giveaway: Rubbermaid is offering one of my Readers a chance to win their own Rubbermaid Hidden Recycle
Mandatory Entry: Comment below & answer the following question: In what way does your family recycle?
Additional Entries:
1. Share this Review & giveaway using the share buttons at the bottom of this post. Every share counts as an Additional Entry.
2. “Like” Rubbermaid ‘s Facebook Page
3. Follow Rubbermaid on Twitter
4. Check out Rubbermaid’s Blog & let me know one thing you’ve learn while reading their Blog.
Giveaway ends March 26th, 2012 at 11:59p.m Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Available to U.S & Canadian Residents only!
Disclosure: Rubbermaid provided me with their product free of charge. I was not compensated in any other way. Opinions are always my own.
Win a $500 Apple Gift Card Giveaway ends 3/24 #AppleGC
It’s here the $500 Apple Gift Card Giveaway!
Wow!! did I say $500 Apple Gift Card!! Yes, I did!!
1 very lucky and deserving person will WIN a $500 Apple Gift Card. The gift card is redeemable at any Apple Store in the United States – online or phone. With the iPad 3 set to launch,you will be ready to be the envy of all your tech savvy friends!!
This Giveaway starts 3/3 @ 12:01am and ends 3/24 @ 12:01am. That gives you plenty of time to get all your entries in!!
The fine print: The winner will be chosen at random . Hosts are NOT allowed to enter this giveaway. Winning entry will be verified. US entries only. No P.O. Boxes. Winner will be publicly announced on all social formats and on blogs. Must be 18+ to enter.
Check my Facebook Page for the Raffflecopter Widget to ENTER!!
I’m on the Facebook, Twitter & Goggle + Options along with the other bloggers participating!
Facebook & Twitter Links
Make sure to check out my Facebook Page. I share most of my daily freebies & samples on Facebook to avoid too many posts on my site.
I know most bloggers want you coming to their site several times a day, but so many freebies end quickly. I think it is fair to post it on Facebook so you have a better chance of getting in on an amazing freebie before they run out.
Also, make sure you follow me on Twitter since all my Facebook posts are directly linked to Twitter as well.
As much as I love stats, I love y’all enough to get in on a 5 minute freebies without me taking up their first 3 minutes away to write a Blog post & adding pictures, links etc.
Don’t have a Twitter account? Get One & Start the Year of Savings off Right
Are you looking for creative way to streamline your grocery budget?
Do you have a Twitter account? If not, you need to get an active account. Did you know many food brands have twitter accounts and often have giveaways directly for their Twitter followers.
I have won free product coupons from companies like Snickers Ice Cream to Healthy Choice. Talk about a perfect combo! I’ve also won beauty products, even prize packs from various other companies. I have even won concert tickets locally due to Twitter!!
Make sure you follow a variety of twitter accounts from brands to local businesses. If there is a product you love, but is very costly for your grocery budget, make sure you follow their Twitter account. It may be a gourmet cheese you are partial to. They can lead you to their website if a new coupon is available for that brand.
Also, follow drug stores & grocery stores. They will let you know when big events are occurring in their stores. Don’t forget follow your favorite sports teams & radio stations. They will announce if they are having a local signing in your area or event/concert you would love to attend.
Don’t forget to you follow me on Twitter
(Closed)Flash Giveaway!! Starts Now!! Win 50 Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints Giveaway Ends Tonight 12/02 10p.m Central
Flash Giveaway Time!!
Giveaway Has Now ended
Winner is Misty W. Please check your inbox for your information.
In case your not familiar, a flash giveaway will start & end on the same day. Today’s Giveaway will end at 10p.m Central Time.
1 lucky reader will win 50 Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints. Code is valid until December 31, 2011 at 11:59 pm PT. Code also includes free standard shipping.
TO ENTER GIVEAWAY the following is Mandatory:
Leave a comment below (on this blog post) give me the answer to the following question…..
In the Song, The 12 Days of Christmas, what is the 6th Day of Christmas?
THIS GIVEAWAY IS IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH FACEBOOK. Giveaway is open to residents of the US residents only. Giveaway ends tonight at 10PM Central. Winner will be selected by Random.org and has 24 hours to claim prize!
(Closed)Storytime Teddie by Cuddle Barn Review & Giveaway Ends Dec 9th, 2011 (U.S Only)
Winner has been chosen & notified. Congratulations Glenda E!!
Many families have a Christmas Tradition. We have a few, but our favorite is our Christmas Book Collection. When my daughter was born, we started purchasing a new Christmas Book every year. Some were standard favorites, some are quirky and fun.
Now that my daughter is 11 and we have another child in the family, our books have become more creative. I had the opportunity to review the Storytime Teddie by Cuddle Barn. Storytime Teddie is an adorable plush teddy recites ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The plush Teddie is super soft and has a beautiful velour outfit.
One of my favorite things about the Storytime Teddie is that it is not too loud. Many products similar to this can have a voice that is a tad bit obnoxious. The Storytime Teddie is complete opposite with a soft & charming. In addition to this, the Storytime Teddie automatically shuts itself off after it is done reciting ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Batteries are also included.
You can find it online at http://store.cuddle-barn.com/. Use code BSM2011 to save 15% off your order at the Cuddle Barn Online Store. At $29.99, this is a good price for the quality you will be receiving. I have seen many items similar that are of less quality for much more. Also, find them on Facebook.
Cuddle Barn has graciously allowing me to give a Storytime Teddie (retail value is $29.99) to one of my readers (U.S Only)!!!
To Enter: Comment in the blog post below & Tell me what is your favorite Christmas Tradition.
Additional Entries:
1. “Like” Blogging, Babies, & the Bayou on Facebook. 1 Extra Entry
2. Follow me/my blog on Twitter 1 Extra Entry
3. Tweet Share about this Giveaway Using the WordPress Share Option below ( 1 tweet entry daily)
4. Share this on Facebook using the WordPress Facebook Share button below and come back and give me a link showing you did so. Or Blog about this and comment back leaving your link. 5+ Entries for each share.
Important: All Entries are to be posted below in the Comment area of THIS blog post. Each Entry needs it’s own Comment. For Additional Option entries like “Like” Blogging, Babies, & the Bayou on Facebook, etc. You just need to post a comment saying.. I already like you or am now liking you on Facebook etc. Same thing with Twitter, so on and so on.
If your writing a blog post about my giveaway or sharing this giveaway + a direct link on your Facebook etc. You get 5 extra entries. So you would say something like… I am sharing this Link/Giveaway on Facebook 1. Ditto for entry 2.
(Disclosure: I received the free product for myself & one to giveaway to my readers as part of a promotional program with Cuddle Barn and MomSelect. Opinions are my own & can not be influenced).
Saline Soothers: Sample (Facebook Offer) Valid 11/14
Saline Soothers (F/the Makers of Bookie Wipes) will be offering sample pages via their Facebook page. Check out their “Free Samples” tab on our Saline Soothers Facebook page and sign up! Offer Valid 11/14 and will go quick since these are great to have in your purse or in the car.
By Boogie Wipes
Interested in receiving complimentary samples of our adult line, Saline Soothers? GOOD NEWS, you can! Limited amounts of samples will be released starting Monday, 11/14. So, to be sure you get yours, check out our “Free Samples” tab on our Saline Soothers Facebook page and sign up!
