*Announcement* Baby # 3 Arriving Sometime Around June 10th.. and it’s a…..

January 15, 2012 – 3:51 pm

 

Little girl.  She was confirmed by Amnio just last month.   Yes, I’ve been hiding this for quite some time. I surprised even myself. I’m already 19 weeks.

 

Because Aidan, my 16 month old son was born with the cord around his neck, a true knot (which only happens in 1% of pregnancies), merconium…. and especially because I’m now past the age of 35 I decided to get Amnio and wait until the results to announce my pregnancy,  Everything looks good so far and all the tests came back fine.

 

So I can’t believe it…  I just can’t believe I’ll have a baby girl!  I am the only blood girl on my Dad’s side of the family in the past 50 years or so.. no joke. Ironically my sister-in-law is due with a baby girl in May so that poo poo’s my Dad’s saying of “It’s a boys club only”.

 

Overall guys.. I just can’t believe I have a baby girl on the way after spending the past almost 4 yrs with 2 little boys!! I’m so freaked out!

 

So now you know why I’ve been so quiet these past few months on my blog. I suffered from horrible morning sickness (better known as ALL DAY sickness) up until just a few weeks ago.  Hope you’ll forgive me.

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Baby Magic Bubble Bath, No-Rinse Wash & Medicated Patty Cake Review & Giveaway

January 13, 2012 – 6:18 pm

 

Kids Magic Bubble Bath

Do you remember all the wonderful and fun bubble baths you had as a kid? Well when you open up this bottle of Bubblegum Pop Bubble Bath from Baby Magic you’re going to be transported back to that time.  

It smells so wonderful! I wanted to make myself a bath and jump in. Unfortunately as you know we don’t have a bathtub in our house, so I let the littlest one try it out in his small tub. We had tons of bubbles in no time and everyone left bath time smiling.

  • Tear Free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Huge, lasting bubbles
  • Also available in Calming Lavender with natural lavender extract
  • Available in 33 oz.

Available at Babies R’ Us and Toys R’ Us

Baby Magic No-Rinse Wash

Ever been out and about when your child got food or drink in their hair? or all over their face? Well we have, plenty of times and sometimes you find out too late that your wipes have dried up, you don’t have any wipes, or the wipes don’t work well enough!

 

Baby Magic’s new No-Rinse Wash is the perfect solution for those times. Drop it in your diaper bag or purse and you’re ready for just about any on-the-go mess. 

 

With 2 boys who love to get messy no matter where we are, I absolutely love this stuff! In addition to the above reasons, here are are a few more that explain why I find it so great:

  • Tear Free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dye Free
  • No water needed
  • Dispenses as foam, no mess application
  • Original Baby Magic Scent
  • Available in 7 oz

You can find it at select Babies R Us – Check to see if your store carries it.

 

Remember if you can’t find it now it’s brand new so it should start showing up in more places as time passes.

Baby Magic Medicated Patty Cake

We reviewed the Original Baby Magic Patty Cake some months ago, and although I liked it I did find after time that my boys are just too rough around the house and our Patty cake cracked and broke into pieces.  This brand new Medicated Patty Cake is up our alley a bit more as it’s a cream-to-powder.  Far less chance of it breaking if I throw it in our bag on our way out the door or accidently drop it on the floor.

 

What do I love about it?  It’s medicated! It contains zinc, just like your regular baby creams, so it can help clear up diaper rash. It’s dustless so there’s no dust flying around, which can be dangerous. It’s also far less messy than using a regular tube of cream when you’re on the go, as you can use a pad and then throw it away instead of trying to get all that cream off your hands for 5 minutes!

 

  • Non-greasy
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Treats and prevents: Diaper Rash
  • No-mess application
  • No petrolatum
  • No mineral oil
  • Fresh baby scent
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Available in .38oz

Available at Wal-Mart stores.

 

Keep reading or click “read more” to enter to win Red Gold products of your own.

 

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How to Make Money on Crowdtap

January 13, 2012 – 1:17 pm

Crowdtap, a previously beta-only invite community for connecting with brands has finally come out of the beta stage just this month. Crowdtap is all about spreading the word. You do this by answering short questions, participating in discussions, and sometimes even sampling products. The bigger your network the better your chances of making money. The money (points) you make can be donated to charity or you can turn them in for gift cards and treat yourself.

 

You Don’t Need A Big Network

I have a pretty big network these days. Almost 6000 people on Facebook and almost 9000 on Twitter @detroitmommy, as well as my readers here on my blog. However, I rarely solicit the help of my “network” and instead mostly rely on my personal friends on Facebook. That’s why I know even the person with a small “network” like some of you can benefit from Crowdtap.

 

Stick With It

I’ve been using Crowdtap for over a year now. I started, got bored when I couldn’t’ figure out how to do more,  then eventually went back about 6 months later to try again.  I’ve seen a lot of people try it out and then leave quickly out of boredom.  Thing is if you stick with it you WILL make money and I’ll tell you how, right now.

 

 

Quick Hits

Crowdtap has a feature called “quick hits”. You get a small amount of points for each one you complete. Some people think that’s all you can do on Crowdtap but that’s not true. Patience is the key. You will be given “quick hits” which are just quick little survey questions about brands most of us are familiar with and sometimes just random questions like “What is your favorite beverage?”. When these quick hits run out you have to wait for more to appear. That usually doesn’t happen until the next day or sometimes even days later. Sometimes you get 10, sometimes you only get 1.

 

Web Share Challenges – Your Best Chance To Make Money

So can you make big money with quick hits? Nope. You can however make a more noticeable amount of money when Crowdtap gives you something called “Web Share Challenges”. Crowdtap will ask you to view a page, sometimes that page contains a video and sometimes it contains an article.  After you’ve finished viewing you return back to the Crowdtap page and you give the page you just read a thumbs up, or thumbs down.  After you’ve finished this you will be asked if you want to accept the web challenge.  Accept.  Post the link to your Facebook page (or twitter) and ask your friends to take the time to rate it for you (just like you did) by giving a thumbs up or thumbs down.  For each person who does this you get points. Those points? They equal money.

 

 

You normally need 5 people total to rate the website in order to complete the task (completed tasks get extra points). You and your friends can see your progress on the actual page.  For each person who rates it you will receive points. More than 5 people can rate!! that’s the key. Get as many of your friends to commit to rating these pages for you as you can and you’re all set. And it’s not as hard as it seems. I have found a group of friends who are always more than willing to help me out and I have less than 80 people on my personal FB page!  My group of about 6 people have helped me to make around $50 in the past year. Imagine what you can do with an even louder voice?

 

For example Web Share Challenges see the following links:

http://bit.ly/wzFMLU

http://bit.ly/wAnryD

 

Discussions – The Better The Contribution, The Better Your Chance of Making Money

Sometimes you’ll be offered to join a “Discussion”. Recent topics have included “New Years”  with discussions of what your plans were and “Holiday Recipes” where you shared your favorite holiday cookies, side dishes, etc.   You’ll be asked a question along with everyone else in the discussion group and you are allowed to post a picture, a link, or a video.  You’re only allowed to answer the question once so your best bet is to answer it with as much gusto as you can muster. Insert a picture too! Pictures get attention. You want other people to comment or like your answer.. you want it to provoke a discussion.   When the “Discussion” comes to an end moderators “star” answers, which give you extra points.  People who put a lot of effort into the discussions can be chosen to win a prize. Sometimes that prize is $10, or even $25 for the top contributors.  Each “Discussion” usually has 5 or 6 top contributors (winners).

 

When invited to join a discussion you want to join ASAP. “Discussions” fill up FAST!

More Chances To Earn – Sampling Program

It doesn’t stop there. There are more chances to earn money on Crowdtap or even test out products! Some people are lucky enough (I haven’t figured out how to do it yet!) to test out products for Old Navy! I recently (after a whole year) got chosen to try out a product from Listerine.  I just happened to be checking my account when I noticed the opportunity was available so I signed up immediately. I was notified I was chosen after about 1 week.

 

When you’ve finished testing your products you can earn BIG POINTS (money).

 

 

That 40,000 points? It’s worth a $20 Amazon.com gift card! Not bad for testing out a free product and giving your opinions!

Make Extra Bucks in Your Spare Time

Of course there is more to Crowdtap and other ways to make money but everything I explained above is the meat of it. Crowdtap isn’t for people who expect to make hundreds (Although I know people who have) or even thousands of dollars. It’s for people who want to make a few extra bucks in their spare time. It doesn’t take a big commitment. You don’t have to continuously be active. You choose what to participate in. 

 

Crowdtap is definitely one of my favorite ways to make money.  I actually find it fun to participate in the discussions and answer the quick hits.  It literally only takes minutes a day, if that and when you’re the mom of 2 rambunctious kids.. minutes is all you have!

 

Hope this information has helped you and that you’ll come join me on Crowdtap! Let me know how you like it. Any questions feel free to leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

 

Good luck.

 

Disclosure: This post contains my “affiliate” link. Although not much I get 100 pts for each person who joins. My experience with Crowdtap has been my own. Yours may vary and I can’t personally guarantee how much money you will make using it.  I donate my earnings to charity: Water to help bring fresh water to everyone who needs it.

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Rosa Marina Soup Recipe & Red Gold Tomatoes Giveaway

December 31, 2011 – 9:05 pm

 

Have I told you yet that I’m a secret foodie? Of course I did. Well tonight I’m going to share one of my favorite recipes with you. Rosa Marina Soup. It’s a delicious tomato basil soup that can be cooked like a soup or a pasta dish to make it easier for small kids to eat. (Let’s just be truthful, pasta = less messy than soup!) It’s also very cheap to make.

 

Just recently I was contacted by a representative of Red Gold Tomatoes and asked if I’d like to try some of their new products & participate in a small contest they have going on. They will be inviting bloggers to the Taste of the NFL. a fund-raising, food and wine tasting event  the weekend of the Super Bowl. The bloggers will also be invited to the Red Gold Tomatoes headquarters to learn all about growing and cooking exceptional tomatoes.

 

So what makes me so interested in this? Well, it’s not the NFL to be truthful.  I’m hoping to learn quickly since I have 2 sons though! It’s more the fact that some of Red Gold tomatoes are actually grown in Michigan (the great state where I live) and Taste of the NFL raises money for food banks across the country, including Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.  I love giving back in any way I can and I love buying local.

 

Now I’d like to set something straight before I go any further. I’m all about fresh food and supporting local farms. In the summertime we get almost all of our fruit & veggies at a local stand, but in the winter I rely on canned tomatoes, like Red Gold. It’s fast, convenient, and because they’re packed at their peak they’re just as delicious as fresh.

 

So, let’s get down to this delicious recipe. Shall we?

 

Rosa Marina Soup

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Butter Or Margarine
1 Sm Onion; Finely Chopped
1 Rib Celery; Finely Chopped 
2 Cloves of Garlic; Minced (I use organic pureed squeeze garlic)
1 Can Red Gold Tomatoes with Basil in Puree (28 Oz)
1 C Uncooked Orzo (Rosa Marina)
1 Tsp Salt (more or less to taste)

1 Tsp Pepper

2 C Warm Milk

Makes approximately 6-8 servings. (full bowls!)

 

We start out with Orzo pasta. If you’re not familiar with it you can find it in the imported food area of your local grocery store, not the pasta sauce aisle.

  • Measure out a cup
  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Approximately 10 minutes. Drain.

 

 

ORZO PASTA

 

 

Our second most important ingredient is a 28oz can of Red Gold ‘Culinary Classics’ Tomatoes with Basil in Puree. They are ONLY located at Meijer stores.  If you can’t find these (because they’re only in select markets)  you can substitute a small can of Red Gold Tomato Puree and a small can of Red Gold Crushed Tomatoes & then add in your own basil (to taste).

 

  • Empty your can into a pot and add 1 tsp of salt. ( I cook low sodium so you may like more).
  • In another small pan melt your 2 tsp of butter or margarine. Add in your celery, onions, and garlic. Cook approximately 5 minutes, until the onions are somewhat translucent.
  • When done add all (including that melted butter) to your pot of tomato puree.

Red Gold Tomatoes with Basil in Puree – Look at the gorgeous color.

 

  • Warm up 2 cups of milk in the microwave for approximately 1.30 minutes, add it to your Tomatoes with Basil in Puree.
  • Add in your cooked Orzo pasta.
  • Let pot simmer and reduce (it will thicken the longer you cook it) on low (don’t boil it) while you finish the rest of dinner. Approximately 1/2 hour.

Rosa Marina Soup minus Orzo – Nice and creamy just like a classic tomato soup

 

I serve my Rosa Marina soup with Italian bread grilled cheese with provolone & an antipasto salad.

 

As you can see by the picture my soup is more like a pasta on this occasion. The kids like it that way as it’s much easier to eat for a 3 and 1 yr old! If you want yours to be more like soup (the traditional way) only add 1/2 cup or less of orzo!! It expands more than you think it would.

  • Eat and Enjoy

 

Provolone Grilled Cheese, Rosa Marina “soup” and Antipasto salad

 

 

Yummm

 

 

Keep reading or click “read more” to enter to win Red Gold products of your own.

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Amazon Rain – Lluvia Crystal Exfoliator–Review & Giveaway

December 12, 2011 – 8:09 pm

 

Since having my first baby 3 years ago I’ve noticed a significant change in my skin. It’s become a lot dryer. I sometimes get small dry patches in the same places, over and over.  In fact I even mentioned it to the Dr. once and was told that I had Rosacea. I didn’t believe that for a second because my problem looks nothing like Rosacea. When I used to cream the Dr. prescribed to me my problem got much worse. On top of that I found out Rosacea is considered a pre-existing condition. I had to argue with the insurance company for ages to convince them I didn’t have Rosacea. Needless to say that was the last time I tried mentioning my skin issues to any doctors.

 

Over the years I’ve probably tried every exfoliator known to man. Organic ones, well known brands, and most recently I’d come to love Meaningful Beauty products quite a bit. However, I just happened to run out around the time I was asked to try Amazon Rain Lluvia crystal exfoliator. Perfect timing you could say.

 

You literally only have to use a little dab of this exfoliator. The first time I used it I couldn’t believe the feel of my skin. I literally stared at my face in amazement. It felt like years of dead cells had been sloughed away.. and the thing is.. I didn’t have to use this exfoliator the very next night! I went 4 days without having to use it again. It was pretty amazing for me because there aren’t many products on the market that can help me with my skin issues, which I have since come to realize are related to my kidneys.

 

The feel of this exfoliator is comparable to the finest grain of sand that you can imagine. No hard beads, no big pieces of oatmeal, no red face after you’re done, and no long list of chemicals in the ingredients! It uses ultra-fine marine silica crystals combined with rainforest botanicals and organic essential oils.

 

Key Rainforest Ingredients:

  • Pure marine algae energizes skin cells by increasing blood flow at your skin’s surface to help draw out impurities. This is possible thanks to it’s richness in minerals, vitamins, micronutrients and amino acids.
  • Silica micro-crystals gently clean and polish your skin without the use of chemicals. Harvested from deep in the ocean, these crystals are infused into Crystal Exfoliator.
  • Herbal mineral ash blend helps energize and refine your skin. It’s a custom-made ultra-fine powder rich in mineral composites from Rainforest soil.

This exfoliator is on my list of items I’ll be using for years to come. I’m really excited that I found something natural that works. I hope you’ll check out the site and try it out for yourself. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

 

More About Amazon Rain Lluvia Products and Amazon Herb Company

Amazon Herb Company contributes a percentage of its profits to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of cancer for every product sold. (Specifically, the funds from each sale go to support the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. This support continues all year round – not just in the month of October. You can learn all about Amazon Rain products, its mission and vision here: http://www.amazonrain.net/Lluvia-2011/Deeper-Than-Beauty.shtml

Where To Purchase

All Lluvia products are entirely free of synthetic chemicals and artificial additives and made from 100% organic ingredients. You can read more about all the products offered and purchase them by visiting: http://www.amazonrain.net/Lluvia-2011/Products.shtml  They are having a 2 for 1 sale right now!! This includes Amazon Rain Lluvia Crystal Exfoliator!

 

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AdoraPets Kids Books Review

December 12, 2011 – 1:41 pm

 

 

 

I’m always on the look-out for small books that my boys will enjoy. The baby is just starting to get into books and my oldest son, who doesn’t like to sit still for long, really really wants to learn how to read. Smaller books hold their attention for a shorter amount of time so that they don’t get overwhelmed. They can also turn the pages much easier themselves, and because the stories aren’t as long it makes learning new words a lot simpler.

 

Adorpet has come out with a collection of super cute children’s books that feature some very loveable little puppies (what kid doesn’t love puppies?) that encourage kids to read, dream, and discover a world of possibility.

 

 

 

  • Each sturdy hardcover book is filled with colorful illustrations to capture children’s imagination, and the rhyming and rhythmic text is fun to read aloud to young children during bedtime.

 

  • Their small size (4.5” x 4.5”) is perfect for children’s small hands and to tuck into purses and diaper bags when your family is on the go.

 

  • The books cover an array of adventures, like Pirate, Astronaut, Mermaid, Chef, and more, so story time is never dull.

 

Where To Purchase:

AdoraPet books retail for $5.95 and are available for purchase at Adorapet.com as well as Bank Street Bookstore in NYC.

 

Connect With AdoraPet Online

You can find Adorapet on Facebook  and Twitter @adorapet_moms

Win a Free Book or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Adorapet is giving away one book per day for the rest of the year as well as giving away one $100 Barnes & Noble gift card.  You can enter to win by signing up on their mailing list at www.AdoraPet.com.  To increase your chances, you can also get one extra entry each by (a) liking them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AdoraPet) and (b) following them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/AdoraPet_Moms) and tweeting with #AdoraPetLaunch.  Winners will be contacted via email.

 

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How To Help Your Child Gift Shop for Others

December 12, 2011 – 1:30 pm

 

 

 

One of the great privileges we have as parents is giving to our children. Seeing the elated look on our children’s faces when they open a present gives us a rush. But an even bigger thrill comes when our children get that same rush watching others enjoy gifts, especially ones they gave.

 

Maybe this is the Christmas your family decides that it truly is more rewarding to give than to get, and you put your money where your mouth is. Just how will you do that when it hasn’t been a priority in the past? According to Dr. Marilynn Price-Mitchell Ph. D. of Psychology Today, "It is the act of thinking about and choosing gifts that is of high value to the giver." Kids, she says, "can prepare for gift giving, some with needed parental help."

 

You don’t want to raise a crop of bratty I-deserve-it children. This Christmas is a great time to steer your family in the right direction, and here are a few tips to help you along the way.

 

1. Prepare your child for the experience.
Dragging your kid through Toys ‘R Us without buying him something is like parading a starving man through the buffet line and telling him not to eat. The first step to shopping for others with your children is talking about it. Start the dialogue with, "Isn’t it great you have so many toys to play with? I wonder if there are other kids who don’t have any toys." When the time comes to go shopping, first remind your child of the reason for going to the store–it’s not about them this time!

 

2. Shop sales and use coupons.
What happens to your financially dull child when he turns 25? He moves back in with you and his lump of debt. Start now–even within the context of gift shopping–by finding deals and using coupon promotions. Take a modern approach by finding coupon codes for Target and other favorites on such sites as CouponSherpa — toys hit rock-bottom prices around the holidays.

 

3. Brainstorm ways to personalize the gift.
Younger kids can draw a picture inside a blank Christmas card and have you write down what they’d like to say in the card. Older kids can make their own colorful wrapping paper with a cut paper bag and stamps. Also talk about matching gifts to people. If Grandma is a diabetic, don’t give her sugar cookies–find recipes that fit within her diet. Gift giving is a great time to really think about what others would appreciate.

 

4. Consider homemade presents.
But only if your little one is old enough to do most of the work herself! Nothing is more disgusting than a parent who does his kid’s third grade science project, and the same goes for gifts. Pick homemade presents Junior can make mostly on his own, like the beauty and baking DIY projects at Kidz World, or don’t do them at all.

 

5. Select a wish list request from a reputable organization.
You may be a bit leery of picking a random child to gift during the Christmas season, and I don’t blame you. When Tommy two-year-old requests a pair of Nike shocks, I’m not convinced he’s exactly "needy". But many organizations like Angel Tree, who give gifts to children of incarcerated parents, have targeted recipients who truly need a helping hand. The Salvation Army has partnered with JCPenney to gift underprivileged children with necessities in their Angel Giving Tree program.

 

6. Gift services instead of material items.
Maybe your tween has a gift for babysitting. Encourage her to give free babysitting coupons to a family on a tight budget. Or Junior is a pro a shoveling snow and makes homemade coupons for the neighbors to do the chore for three mornings. Make your own coupon book and print it out on cardstock for a professional look. Don’t forget to remind your little one that gifting a service is a great idea, but it’s only complete when they finish said service.

 

7. Don’t buy a gift for your child while shopping for others.
Other centeredness–that’s the goal in shopping for other people. The best way to turn it right back to Junior’s wants is to buy something for him at the same time. Make sure your "shopping for others" trip is just that. It may be tempting to buy for him too, but resist the urge. He needs to abstain from getting what he wants to make a lasting impression.

 

8. Consider shopping online for others with your child to save more money.
Depending on the age and maturity of your little shopper, they can learn the basics of shopping online. Yes, there are huge dangers of stumbling on unsavory content. And, no, you don’t want to give Junior the laptop so he can get the job done himself. But since online shopping is quickly becoming the standard, help your child learn what sites are beneficial (especially ones that save money) and how to avoid going down a dark rabbit hole of advertising links. With Free Shipping Day coming up on Friday, December 16, many popular vendors like Melissa and Doug and Barnes & Noble will offer complimentary delivery. Turn online shopping into a math lesson, comparing prices in newspaper inserts to those online.

 

 

This has been a guest post by: Ashley Grimaldo. Ashley comes from a long line of penny pinchers and enjoys blogging on money-saving tips and advice for frugal-minded parents. She lives with her husband and three children in Bryan, Texas. Ashley has been featured among such media outlets as Redbook, The Chicago Tribune, Time.com, and CBS News-Houston.

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog!

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Breyers SWEET Holiday Sweater Contest

December 12, 2011 – 10:50 am

 

I thought you guy’s might enjoy this contest. $2500 for the winner! As you know my husband is from Norway so we have received some pretty “sweet” (*cough*)  sweaters over the years from the old country. I still have to consider if I want to put on my traditional all wool Norwegian sweater and actually take a picture! Just maybe I’ll make the whole family join me! Wouldn’t that be a site..

 

“It’s that time of year again; holiday cheer is in the air, bright lights are on the trees and the “ugly holiday sweater” are making their annual appearances. Breyers is celebrating the occasion by offering fans the chance to win $2,500 and a 1-year supply of products for uploading a photo of themselves to Facebook in a silly holiday sweater. “

 

 

WHAT: Breyers SWEET Holiday Sweater Contest

WHERE: Facebook.com/breyers

HOW: Upload a photo of in a silly holiday sweater with a story or description

WHO: Fans of Breyers; anyone can click the “Like” button to become a fan!

WHEN: Now through midnight EST on December 16

WHY: For a chance to win the following prizes

- GRAND PRIZE: $2,500 and a 1-year supply of Breyers products!

- FOUR FIRST PLACE WINNERS: A 1-year supply of Breyers products!

By admin | Posted in Contests and Sweepstakes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

Enstrom Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee Review & Giveaway

December 11, 2011 – 4:39 pm

 

Just last week I had the absolute pleasure to try Enstrom’s Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee.

I was going to take a picture for you but I was so excited to try it out I didn’t have time. I swear. After letting my 3 year old try a piece I had to hide it immediately. I actually haven’t ate it all. I have it sitting here next to me and I’m munching on it as I write this review. Savoring every piece. Sorry! I don’t mean to make you jealous but it’s not often I get to be tempted by such delicious goodies. I’ve had the box tucked away under my desk where no children can find it, lest it be eaten in a day while I’m not looking.

 

The picture below really doesn’t do this toffee any justice and words can hardly describe the taste. It’s superb. I’ve eaten a lot of toffee in my time. It’s one of my favorite types of candy.  Enstrom’s is among the finest. Their Milk chocolate Almond toffee consists of a beautiful golden toffee filled with delicious almonds, covered with milk chocolate & dusted with almond powder. In one word. Delectable. It’s so good I had to grab another piece after reading what I just wrote!

 

Enstromtoffee


More About Enstrom

At the urging of friends & family Chet Enstrom and his wife Vernie started Enstrom in 1960, using a recipe for toffee Chet had perfected almost 80 years ago. As of today his family continues to grow the business. They have a selection of fine chocolates as well as toffee which are blended with only the freshest, high-quality ingredients to create luxurious and unique confections that are shipped around the world.

Where To Purchase

If you are a toffee lover or know of a toffee lover you have to try this toffee. 1lb retails for only $19.95 and comes perfectly packaged for gift giving. They also have gift boxes, baskets, and custom message sleeves. You can find all their wonderful selections online at: http://www.enstrom.com/

 

Win Your Own Box of Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee

Enstrom wants to give you your very own 1lb box of Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee. Just click “read more” or scroll down to enter the giveaway. Good luck!

 

Prize: 1 reader will win a pound of Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee from Enstrom

 

Rafflecopter is currently having problems on self-hosted wordpress blogs like my own so please enter the ol’ fashioned way for now. Sorry for any inconvenience.

To Enter:  Leave a blog comment telling me one other thing you’d love to try on the Enstrom.com site.

 

 

 

Make sure that for each extra entry you do you leave a separate comment. Each comment counts as one entry. Ie: you follow me on FB – leave 2 separate comments telling me so.

2 Extra Entries

* Follow me publicly on Google friend connect (look to the right in my sidebar)
* Follow me on Facebook
* Share this giveaway on FB – Just Click Here 
* Grab my new button and put it on your site (I’d love to exchange – let me know)

 

5 Extra Entries

*Subscribe to my site by Email or RSS then check your mail to confirm it  (leave 5 separate comments telling me how you subscribed to count as your extra entries)

1 Extra Entry Per Day

* Follow me on Twitter @detroitmommy then copy this and tweet it:

 

Win a lb of Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee from Enstrom & First-Time-Mommy http://shar.es/oUSdj

 

Leave me a comment with a link to your tweet.  You can come back each day and retweet for 1 extra entry per day. Just make sure to leave a comment each day you do it! (You can also use the green RT button at the top of this post)

 

(Don’t know how to show me you RT’d? Just place your mouse directly under your tweet where it says “1 minute ago from web” and click to get the URL of your status update. Copy and Paste.)

Good Luck!

 

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. 18+. This giveaway ends December 22nd, 2011

 

 

 

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I received the above product in order to facilitate this review. Opinions & thoughts are my own. Your experience may vary. No monetary exchange took place. All prizing for MSM giveaways is handled by a third party unless otherwise noted. For this reason prize fulfillment can take up to 90 days after the winners information is received.

By admin | Posted in Giveaways | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (118)

Help Me Become The Next Ice.com Guest Stylist & Get A Free 20% Off Code For Jewelry At Ice.com

December 11, 2011 – 10:03 am

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve been following me for a while you’ve seen me discuss my love for Ice.com Jewelry several times now. I purchased a green chalcedony pendant from them last year. After getting free shipping I amazingly only paid $19! It arrived in the cutest little box, perfectly packaged. I couldn’t believe how much care they had put into this pendant. That’s when I fell in love with them.

 

 

Every time I wear my pendant someone asks me where I got it. I don’t mind telling them because Ice.com has something for everyone. I could literally search their site for hours.. and I have! That’s why when I was invited to participate in a contest to become Ice.com’s next guest stylist I jumped at the chance.

Will I Be The Next Ice.com Guest Stylist? It’s Up to You to Decide!

Ice has been partnering with celebrity bloggers, musicians, TV stars and authors, asking them to put together their own personal selections of their favorite jewelry from Ice. You can check out the most recent Ice Guest Stylists here: http://www.ice.com/stylists/

 

Now Ice.com are asking select bloggers to pick out some of their favorites that they feel reflect their own sense of style.

How This Mom Got Her Style Back

I used to love jewelry when I was younger. Rings & bracelets were always my favorite, but once I became a stay-at-home mom I found it wasn’t easy to keep up ANY sort of style. Sometimes I didn’t even get out of my pajamas & sometimes I still don’t! As far as jewelry?  First it started with the rings when my fingers became too swollen during pregnancy, then went the necklaces after baby was born. In the end all my jewelry went in the drawer and there it stayed.

 

Then I got pregnant a second time.. and that’s when I discovered Ice.com. Something came over me.. a longing perhaps? I missed the days of dressing up, even if it was just for work! I missed putting together outfits, painting my nails and adorning myself with beautiful jewelry. I missed being girly!

Beauty at a Bargain

This overwhelming feeling came over me just about the time I stumbled upon Ice.com. That’s why I took the plunge and ordered from their site. I am extremely frugal so of course I tried to get the best bargain possible.. and I did.  I believe you don’t have to spend your child’s college money just to look good! You can look & feel good at a bargain thanks to Ice.com. They have something in everyone’s price range.  Thanks to Ice.com I got my love of style back.

 

Here are two pieces that I personally adore:

 

Stainless Steel Animal Print Cuff Bracelet

 
I love animal prints. They’re incredibly versatile. This stainless steel animal print cuff bracelet by Tattooed Steel would be great for work, a night out on the town, a concert, or hey even at home if you just enjoy glamming it up.  Best of all? It’s only $50!
4/5 Carat Created Ruby Sterling Silver Ring

Sleek & colorful, this 4/5 carat created ruby sterling silver ring is perfect for adding a touch of color without being too bold. Only $55

 

Disclosure: The opinions in this post are mine. They were not influenced in any way. I am receiving a gift certificate for participating in this promotion.

20% Off Coupon Code

Use coupon code FBBOC or shop directly from this link: http://www.ice.com/?sourcecode=FBBOC

(Some exclusions apply: This offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer is not valid for any clearance or sale items, engagement rings, watches or the Persona Charms Collection. Subject to availability. This offer expires January 15, 2012. )

Please Vote For Me to Be The Next Ice.com Guest Stylist

The winner will be chosen by YOU. All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post or “like” this blog post by clicking on the Facebook button at the bottom of this post.

The blogger whose post gets the most votes by Dec. 16th, 2011 will be featured as an Ice Guest Stylist in early 2012.

 

This could be big for me & my family because the winner will receive a share of profits made from her Guest Stylist Post!

 

Thank you so much!!

 

 

By admin | Posted in Contests and Sweepstakes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (7)