SmartyRents - Giveaway & Promo Code

Leap Frog and VTech both have wonderful educational toys. With some of these toys comes the necessity of purchasing cartridges and games for them. If you'd like the option of having your child try out educational video games before committing to buying them, there is now a place where you can do just that. Similar to game and DVD rental programs that are already out there, SmartyRents.com takes that concept and rents educational video games. Your child can now play with a variety of games and get new ones delivered to their door.


How SmartyRents.com works:

Pick Your Rental Package-
SmartyRents has several rental packages available to allow you to find the best package to fit the needs of your family. Maybe you have several children at different age levels or with different game systems and need an option to rent more than one game at a time.

Games Sent To Your Door-
No more driving all around town to find that special game your child is longing to play. SmartyRents will send that must-have title directly to your door! The best part is that the shipping is FREE! When you are finished with your game, you just have to use our pre-paid mailer to send it back to us.

Rent Games As Long As You Want-
Rent your game for one day or one year...we don't care how long you keep it. That's because there are never any due dates or late fees! Keep that game your child just wants to complete or return it if it's just not keeping their interest - at least you didn't buy it!

Return and Receive Another Game-
When your child is finally finished playing a game, return it and we will send out the next one from your list. If your child loves it so much that they just cannot part with it, take advantage of our Love It feature. This allows you to keep that game at a reduced price. The Love It option also allows you to try any game to make sure your child really loves it before you invest in buying it.

You can rent games for your Leap Frog system, such as Click Start, didj, Leapster 2, and Little Leaps. You can also rent games for your VTech system such as V. Smile, V. Smile Baby, V. Flash, and V. Motion.

Discount Code:
Use promo code d1cbdd at checkout to receive 1 free month of the 1 Game at a Time package or $9.99 towards a package of choice. Expires 8/31/10.

Win It!
Five people will each win three free months of the 1 Game at a Time Package.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with a game you might be interested in receiving.

Extra Entries:
Follow SmartyRents.com on Twitter, SmartyRents.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the tweet (can be done once daily).

Follow my blog.

Have my button on your blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Blog about this giveaway, leave a link to the post.

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the comments. Giveaway is open to residents of the USA. Giveaway ends 8/10/10 at 8 pm CST. Winners will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or a new winner will be drawn.

I received no products for review or compensation. This is a giveaway post only. Opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products.

Great Blog Giveaways #99

There's lots of giveaways being held at other blogs. Here's a list of some that I really like:

Profiled Products allows you to personalize your life with the most unique and hottest products in the market. Enter to win a Custom Printed Cork Board at The Funky Monkey. Ends 8/3.

Rubbermaid represents innovative, high-quality products that help smiplify life. Enter to win a Rubbermaid Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop at Confessions Of A Psychotic Housewife. Ends 8/14.

4TheBeach offers beach products for beach enthusiasts of all ages. Enter to win a Deluxe Aluminum Hi Seat Chair Beach Chair and a Baja Beach Umbrella with Sling Pack at The Life Of A Coast Guard Wife. Ends 8/17.

Pumpkin Girl is an Etsy shop that makes hip, vintage inspired eco-friendly clothing for kids, babies, and moms. Enter to win an item of choice at tout-est-des-roses. Ends 8/10.

Sama Baby offers organic clothing for babies and children. Enter to win a towel and bib from the layette elephant collection at Organic Girl. Ends 8/9.

Photo Card Creations is a leading online retailer of custom photo cards, invitations, and announcements for all occasions. Enter to win a $35 coupon code towards the purchase of custom photo cards at My Four Monkeys. Ends 8/2.

Aroma Home produces a range of contemporary, fun, and high quality gift products to bring well-being and mood enhancing senses to daily life. One person will win a pair of Fuzzy Friend Slippers and another person will win a Cooling Eye Pillow at My Life With Rats and More. Ends 8/7.


Little Tikes makes indoor and outdoor play toys for girls and boys. Enter to win an Anchors Away Pirate Ship at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves. Ends 8/5.

Noko is Japanese inspired baby clothes with a modern appeal. Enter to win a dress of choice at My Wee View. Ends 8/6.

Hapari Swimwear makes modest swimwear and tankinis that are stylish and comfortable for all body types. Enter to win a top and bottom of choice at Outnumbered 3 to 1. Ends 8/5.

Really Mom, Don't Quit Visiting... I'll Have A New One Soon

The other day my mother came over to the house to visit. We had a leisurely talk and, at one point, I received a call that I needed to go pick up one of my kids. Right before I head out the door, mom asks if she can get a cup of coffee. She even came prepared with her own coffee grounds and filters. All I had to do was provide the coffee maker. Easy peasy, right?! Not in my household.

I reached into my cabinet under the sink where the coffee maker is located and lifted it up, only to drop it and watch it shatter all over the floor. I'm not sure who's eyes bugged out more. Mine because I just threw tiny shards of glass all over the floor or my mom's because her way at getting coffee the way she liked it was shot.

My mom took it in stride. She was very helpful with cleaning up the mess while I ran off to get my kid. I guess if I ever want my mother to visit again, I better be on the lookout for a new coffee maker. It's a good thing that Cookware.com, a division of CSN Stores, has so many to choose from.



I will soon be doing another review for CSN Stores and will be posting it during my School Supplies & Essentials Event in August. I'm still not positive yet what I will choose to review, but it very well may be a coffee maker.

I received no compensation for this post. I will be receiving a gift code to use from CSN Stores. The story and opinions within this post are true and of my own. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Vemayca - Review & Giveaway

I've been through plenty of cosmetic bags and cases in my day. I have yet to find a way to keep makeup from spilling and leaking all over them, therefore it seems I am buying a new one every few months. The worst is when eye shadow breaks off and the powdery dust finds its way to the bottom of the bag.


Vemayca realizes this problem as well. Although there's still no solution for spill-proof makeup, there is a solution to keeping it from ruining your cosmetic bag. The Vemayca cosmetic bag has a removable soft pearl liner, keeping the bag itself safe from getting ruined.

The liner doesn't have to be used for the cosmetic bag to do its job but it helps in keeping makeup film and powders from ruining the bag. There are snaps on each side of the bag that the liner attaches to and detaches from. It can be discarded once soiled or messy. You can purchase additional liners once the first one is no longer usable, and they can be bought in a set of three. Although I have not yet gotten mine dirty, I tried removing and reattaching the liner to see how easy it would be to do. There was no difficulty in the process.



The cosmetic bags are available in either red or black and initially come with one liner already in it. I have the red one and have been using it to transport my cosmetics back and forth to camp every weekend. The feel of the cosmetic bag is super soft on the outside and has a pretty satin look on the inside. It has a flat bottom so that it stands upright, which I like. I don't want to have to try to keep my cosmetic bag from falling over while I'm applying my makeup, and that's not something I have to fret about with this.

On top of this being a pretty bag, it is also innovative and quite functional. I'd like to see it branched out to more designs and patterns.



Win It!

One person will win a Vemayca cosmetic bag in red or black.

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment with one of the different uses that the Vemayca cosmetic bag can be used for.

Extra Entries:

"Like" Vemayca on Facebook.

Follow Vemayca on Twitter, Vemayca.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the tweet (can be done once daily).

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Have the School Supplies & Essentials Event button on your blog. (If you do, be sure to leave a comment at the post about it so you can receive even more extra entries during the event.)

Blog about this giveaway, leave a link to the post.

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the comments. Giveaway is open to residents of the USA. Giveaway ends 8/13/10 at 8 pm CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or a new winner will be drawn.

I received product for review from Vemayca on behalf of Mom Made That. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians DVD Winners

The Percy Jackson & The Olympians DVD giveaway has ended and I have randomly drawn the three winners. The three winners are #222, paula michele and #214, Steph and #78, Birdie S.

paula michele said... 22
My favorite Greek god has always been Zeus. I used to have a book of Greek stories of the gods as a kid.

July 28, 2010 2:56 PM

Steph said... 14
Daily Tweet

http://twitter.com/mnsteph/status/19735603784

July 28, 2010 7:11 AM

Birdie S. said... 78
I follow U on GFc

July 20, 2010 11:41 AM

I will be emailing the winners shortly and they will have 48 hrs. to respond or new winner(s) will be notified. Congrats to the winners of this amazing movie and thanks to all who entered. I'd appreciate if you entered my other current giveaways, listed at the top right hand side of my blog.

Discount and Free Shipping at ShirtsThatGo

ShirtsThatGo is one of the sponsors of the upcoming School Supplies & Essentials Event coming up in August. I think my boys will be excited when they receive the tractor trailer tshirt. I'll tell you more about this company and their line of kids t-shirts with transportation themes during the blog event.

For now, I wanted to let you know that you can save 10% on single shirt orders and receive free shipping when you use the code partymix during checkout. These would make cute shirts for your child to wear back to school.

Also, be sure to get your extra entries in for the School Supplies & Essentials Event giveaways by grabbing the button and leaving a comment at the required post.

I will be receiving a shirt for review. The opinions within this post are of my own. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Stop Staring! - Review

Stop Staring! carries the largest selction of beautiful cocktail dresses, vintage inspired designs, and rockabilly clothing. Established in 1997, Stop Staring! is a leader of original retro chic dresses and separates that flatter the figure and cater to a woman's independent spirit. Stop Staring! is sold in 1000s of boutiques all over the world and has been featured in a countless number of fashion magazines such as Elle Girl, Teen, Vogue, Allure, and more.


I'm not a big fan of clothes shopping and that's because it's rare I come across an outfit that fits me in all the right places, especially a dress. I received the Alice Dress for review and was ecstatic that it fit me almost perfectly. This black dress was named after Ashley Greene who played Alice Cullen in the movie Twilight.

I put the dress on and immediately had to tell my husband to Stop Staring! I'm not exactly a girl of skinny proportions but I wasn't worried about that when I put this dress on. It gave a slimming effect. Problem areas weren't sagging or sticking out. My only concern was the length of the dress. Originally the length fell right below the knee and it is intended to do so. I had a friend hem it just a little to make it a tad more shorter to my liking.

The flowy ruffle cap sleeves and the black crepe satin on the and lace on the neckline give this dress details that are exquisite and distinguishing. I ordered this dress in the size I normally wear (which I'm not about to give out) and was quite pleased to find that it wasn't too big or too small. I honestly can't think of a time when I've owned a dress that has fit me more perfectly.

I received a dress for review from Stop Staring! The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

School Supplies and Essentials Event at Heck Of A Bunch & Traci66

School will be starting up again before you know it. I'm actually not ready for it because I've absolutely enjoyed all the quality time I've been spending with the kids. But it's inevitable and it's time to start thinking about school supplies and essentials.

Along with Traci66, I am co-hosting a School Supplies and Essentials Event from August 16th to the 24th. It will showcase many products that are great to have for going back to school or during the school year. There will be many reviews and giveaways.

If you'd like to get five extra entries into each giveaway that goes on during the event, please add the School Supplies and Essentials Event button to your blog and leave a comment here on this post that you've done so. Traci66 will also have a special post where you can leave a comment and get extra entries on her giveaways.

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Here's a list of the sponsors that are parcipating. More will be added as the list grows.




Learning Resources



Discount School Supply



Diary Of A Wimpy Kid



Ozone Socks



RandomLine



Frecklebox



Shirts That Go



BARBAR



Pirate Brands



Silver Dolphin Books



Simply Bags



ID On Me



CSN Stores


Monkey Pod Games




KOR
There is a good possibility that there will be a few more added to this list. If you are a sponsor that would like to be included for me to do a review and/or giveaway for this event, please contact me at partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com.

191 Unlimited Giveaway Winners

My 191 Unlimited giveaway has ended and five winners have been randomly drawn. The lucky recipients of these awesome boys and mens shirts are:

#187, Louis
#258, Atreau
#224, CarrieAnn13
#113, Shel
#161, my first baby

I will be emailing the winners shortly and they will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn. Thanks to all who entered and an extra special thanks to 191 Unlimited for sponsoring the giveaway.

Keepin' Company Thursdays - Week 8

Welcome to the eighth week of Keepin' Company Thursdays, hosted by myself and Traci66. If you'd like the opportunity to gain more followers and become a follower of new blogs, be sure to link up to this meme.


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Please follow these guidelines:

* Create a Keepin' Company Thursday post. Please include the Keepin' Company Button in your post.

* Follow the first two blogs, which are the hostesses: Heck of a Bunch and Traci66.

* Follow any of the other blogs you choose to and let them know you found them via Keepin' Company Thursday.

* If you get a follow via Keepin' Company Thursday please follow them back.

* Add your blog name and the URL to your Keepin' Company Post to the link below. There is no need to add your link twice. You can do so either on my blog or at Traci66. It will show up at both regardless.

* You can also grab the blog hop code to add to your post if you want the thumbnails to appear in your post.

* If you add the Keepin' Company button to your sidebar and leave either of the hosteses, Heck of a Bunch or Traci66, a comment letting us know where to find it we will randomly draw a blog to be in the #3 spot next week. This week's coveted #3 spot goes to Beth at Two Monkeys & A Washtub. Her blog contains reviews and giveaways, as well as other entertaining and informative posts.

~~~~Heck of a Bunch and Traci66 will follow any of the blogs that follow us. I hope this can be a successful way for blogs to connect.~~~

Wordful Wednesday - You Can't Rain On Our Parade

Saturday afternoon was the campground's annual golf cart caravan to a nearby town. We do this twice a year, the participating campers taking their golf carts into town to eat at a restaurant and socialize with each other.



The caravan even came complete with a police escort. As you can see, the skies were clear during the lineup. They were even clear on the way there. It was our first time participating and the kids, especially my boys, had a heyday.



My husband and a fellow camper went on our golf cart while I borrowed a friend's.



It wasn't until we got into town that all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks let loose. Rain poured from the sky while lightning and thunder threatened to take us alive. Instead of letting the situation get us down, we made the best of it and patiently waited for the police escort back to camp with 32-gallon trash bags offering us little protection.



The ride home was a torrential mess. My golf cart has no windshield, so we borrowed saran wrap and made a temporary shield. It was a great idea, until I found that it offered very limited visibility. Everyone was a soaking wet mess when we all got back to camp. Nobody ever accused us of being smart, but it sure made for fun memories.

If you'd like to participate in Wordful Wednesday, you can link up at Seven Clown Circus.

Oxy Clinical - Review

Although it is not a severe problem, both Shelby and Allyson have acne. Anyone with teenagers who have acne know that it can seem like the end of the world. Heck, I rarely break out but it seems to occupy my mind and drive me half nuts when I get zits and clogged pores. Take that times ten when the girls have it.


Oxy has come out with a new line of acne-fighting products. The new Oxy Clinical line of over-the-counter acne medication is clinically shown to provide prescription-level results without a dermatologist. The patented, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and continuous-action technology eliminates 99% of acne bacteria in just eight hours. Shelby and Allyson each tried a Acne Solutions pack, which provides a 2-3 week supply of the new Oxy Clinical.



Advanced Face Wash - Twenty-five percent more acne medicine remains on the skin after rinsing to fight acne and it does not burn the skin. The patented AcneShield salicylic acid technology unclogs pores and fights flare-ups.



Clearing Treatment - Clinically proven to eliminate 99% of acne bacteria in just 8 hours. Does not leave a white residue.




Hydrating Therapy - This 3-in-1 formula exfoliates, hydrates, and controls oil.

Shelby and Allyson have both been using the Acne Solutions Pack as a part of their daily hygiene routine. After using it the first time, Shelby's face felt a little dry. She started out using it twice daily. When she decreased to one application daily, her face did not itch or feel dry anymore. Allyson has been able to use it twice daily. It would be helpful to have numbers on the tubes indicating which ones should be used first, second, and third. We figured it out quickly enough after doing some reading. Face Wash is first and then the clearing treatment and hydrating therapy. Both girls have commented that their faces feel much cleaner and the breakouts have practically been eliminated. I've noticed their complexions to be more radiant and it seems that acne is now a problem of the past.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Oxy Clinical and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Great Blog Giveaways #98

Need some direction on which blog giveaways to enter? Here's a few I recommend:

Bazzle Baby is a place where you'll find brilliant, bold, and expressive fashion accessories for smart parents and amazing children. Enter to win an item of choice at The Crafty Charlestonian. Ends 8/3.

The Boy's Store is a premier site for boy's clothing and accessories. Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to The Boy's Store at Mom To Bed By 8. Ends 8/4.

Kuki Kids was born out the desire to make bold and funky clothes for little kids. Enter to win a Kuki Kids Jersey Bib of choice at Mom To Bed By 8. Ends 8/4.

Handbag Heaven lets you indulge yourself in the latest handbags, trendy purses, and more. Enter to win a handbag of choice at Abby Approved. Ends 8/5.

Pitgail Pals offers empowering t-shirts and apparel for girls. Enter to win a shirt of choice at Slice O' Heaven. Ends 8/14.

Starla Sandals luxury sandals have a signature sparkle that lends a casual elegance to any outfit. Enter to win a pair of sandals of choice at Leslie Loves Veggies. Ends 8/3.



Mermaids Dream is an Etsy shop devoted to quality handcrafted clutch purses. Enter to win a Golden Peacock Silk Lined Clutch Purse at The Funky Monkey. Ends 8/1.

Boon Inc. is committed to creating innovative modern baby products and toddler gear. Enter to win a Boon Catch Bowl in choice of color at DustinNikki Mommy of Three. Ends 8/8. You can also enter to win a Scrubble set, Water Bugs set, and a Flo at The Crafty Charlestonian. Ends 8/4. You can also enter to win a Boon Potty Bench at Night Owl Mama. Ends 8/15.

Atterro has award-winning eco-friendly arts and crafts kits. Enter to win a Canvas Storybook Kit at DustinNikki Mommy of Three. Ends 8/8.

Greek: Double Date - Book Review & Giveaway

Book Synopsis:

Two dates—same night!

Major oops. When Casey Cartwright's brother begs her to be nerdy Dale Kettlewell's date to the sure-to-be-boring Honors Engineering Awards, Casey says yes. Even though Dale is totally not her type…and might have a crush on her. Ugh. But it's a nice thing to do, and Casey's always been the "nice" girl.

But now, that night conflicts with the biggest event of the semester, the All-Greek formal. Casey already has a date lined up: hot transfer student Rob Howell. He's her plan to get over her slacker ex, Cappie. And even nice girls get to be bad sometimes, right?

What to do? With a little help from BFF Ashleigh, unwanted advice from frenemy Rebecca Logan and even a push from Cappie, what Casey does may surprise even herself….

My Review:

This new book series is based on the longest-running original TV series from ABC Family. I've seen commercial previews for Greek but have never actually watched it on TV. I'm unable to give an opinion one way or another on the TV series, but I'll read a book even if it is based on a show I've never seen before.

I'm not biased when it comes to book genres. If it's one that interests me I will read it, even if it is for young adult readers. I read Greek: Double Date before my teenage girls got a hold of it. Call me selfish, but it looked like a fun, quick read and I wanted to get to it first. I read the book when I had some down time and got a kick out of the characters and storylines.

Shelby, my teenage daughter, liked this book because the characters are in situations that could happen to anyone in real life and they are relatable. The storylines are centered around sorority and fraternity life. Even though the plot is established upon college life, the book is appropriate for young adult readers. There's no explicit material. Next up to read the book is my other teenage girl, Allyson. She's already given it a start.

Three more Greek books are set to release, with the next one being in October of this year, Best Frenemies. Shelby keeps a list of books she'd like to purchase or check out from the library for future reference. This series of books is now on that list.

Win It!
One person will win a book copy of Greek: Double Date.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with the name of a Harlequin Teen book you may be interested in reading.

Extra Entries:
Leave a comment with whether or not you are a viewer of the Greek TV show.

Follow Harlequin Teen on Twitter, HarlequinTeen.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the post (can be done once daily).

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Blog about this giveaway, leave a link to the post (+3 entries).

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the comments. Giveaway is open to residents of the USA and Canada. Giveaway ends 8/8/10 at 8 pm CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or a new winner will be drawn.

I received book for review from Meryl L. Moss Media Relations. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Celebrate With These Winners

Three of my giveaways have ended and I have randomly drawn the winners.

The winner of the Light-Up Marble Racers giveaway is #29, jakiesmom.

jakiesmom said... 29
gfc follower

July 13, 2010 11:42 PM

The winner of the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese giveaway is #119, blueeyeleo.

blueeyeleo said... 119
i follow through GFC username blueeyeleo

July 24, 2010 10:56 PM

The winner of the Diamond Brilliance giveaway is #36, jakiesmom.

jakiesmom said... 36
gfc follower

July 23, 2010 11:18 PM

As you can see, there's no limit to how many of my giveaways you can enter or how many you can win. Jakiesmom followed the entry guidelines and randomly won two of them. I will be emailing the winners shortly and they will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn.

Thanks to all who entered and to the sponsors. I have other giveaways listed at the top right hand side of my blog. Be sure to check them out.

My First Moody Monday Quizes

If you're ever curious as to what memes are going on during which day, be sure to head over to Traci66. I go to her blog to get the low down. If there's a meme to be a part of, you can almost bet that she's in on it. I'm all right with that because it saves me the search.

A new meme that I found out about through her is Moody Monday Quizes (I'm anal and know that's not how the word is spelled, but it's a minor snafu to a fun meme). It is hosted by Life with the Dietrich's, another blog I didn't know about before now and one I will be returning to.

From what I gather, questions are asked and bloggers answer them in their own posts. Then you link up and hope someone wants to read your answers while you go and check out what others had to say.

This Week's Questions:

1. Have you ever felt like you completely wasted your time on someone?

I did not completely waste my time with my ex hubby. After all, I got my three kiddos out of him. However, most of the rest of that time was pretty well wasted.

2. Have you ever been heartbroken?

I used to be very naive and gullible, so I'd always get discarded like yesterday's garbage. Now I have a wall built up and it's much harder for me to feel broken down enough to get heartbroken again.

3. Is there someone who you'll always have feelings for?

I'll always have feelings for my kids and it's called unconditional love.

4. Is there anyone who puts a smile on your face as soon as you see them?

My husband is very good at making me smile. His wit and humor is contagious.

5. Clowns are creepy: true or false?

I've seen creepier things.

6. How good are your math skills?

Math is not my strongest suit. I can usually figure math out in my head, but it's my way and it may take a while.

7. Have you ever fell going up the stairs?

I have done that a time or two.

8. You start the water before you get in the shower or when you get in?

I always start the water first so I know what temp I'm jumping into.

No More Scouting for Giveaways with Giveaway Scout

As I'm sure you all know I love entering blog giveaways. The thrill of winning is a natural high for me. Not to mention that I get to find out about products and companies that I otherwise may not have known about.

It's nearly impossible for me to enter every blog giveaway since there are so many. I subscribe to a lot of blogs by emails to keep up-to-date on giveaways as well as other postings, but I also like to find ones that I didn't know about. Once in a while I'll stumble across yet another awesome blog and add it to my list of ones to visit.

To aid in getting the word out about blog giveaways and letting others know about them, there is now a giveaway search engine called Giveaway Scout. There you will find all blog giveaways, contests, and sweepstakes all in one place. Giveaway Scout scans a large number of giveaway blogs and updates every hour with the latest offers. They also offer an automated update service that informs you by email when a new giveaway in your chosen category is discovered. The best part is that this service is free. Well, actually the best part is winning a giveaway. But that rates right up there with it.

You can also add your blog to Giveaway Scout so your giveaways can get more exposure. Getting the word out means more entries. It's a win-win, whether you want to let others know of your giveaways or you want to enter them.

I received no compensation or products for this post. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Your results and opinions may differ.

Marriott "Nickelodeon Your Stay"

Summer isn't over yet and vacations are still well underway for many families. Marriott knows that kids want to feel important too and, with their "Nickelodeon Your Stay" program, kids can feel extra special while staying at Marriott properties.

From July to December 2010, checking into participating Marriott properties will grant your kids a Nickelodeon keycard, 4-page activity book, activity placemat, and silicone bracelet with access to a secret online game for free.

There are also two packages available for purchase, depending on where you stay. The first package, which is $10, includes the complimentary goodies plus stylish sunglasses, a splash ball, and a build-your-own Spongebob activity. The second package, which is $20, includes a souvenier pillowcase and a bedtime storybook, along with all of the other items previously listed.

To book a "Nickelodeon Your Stay" package or to learn more, go to www.nickelodeonyourstay.com or call 877-NICK-STAY.

If you have plans on staying at a hotel during the participating times, this would be a fun way for kids to remember their stay and help keep them occupied.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Marriott and received a Nickelodeon gift pack to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. The opinions within this post are of my own. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your own opinions and results may differ.

Plumb Pretty - Etsy Review & Giveaway

PlumbPretty is an Etsy shop that features unique jewelry and accessories. Pieces are created with vintage jewelry, spoons, scrabble and domino tiles, buttons, and beads. I happen to personally know Tina, the creator of each piece, and have held previous giveaways on my blog of her jewelry.



Tina started making jewelry about a year and a half ago, but you'd think she's been doing it all her life. Her specialty began with scrabble tile pendants and it has evolved from there to more intricate pieces. Her jewelry is often limited edition or one of a kind. With her jewelry, you'll have a creation that is beautiful and unique.



Win It!
One person will win the Blue Crystal Butterfly Charm Bracelet as shown above.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with your favorite item at the Plumb Pretty Etsy shop.

Extra Entries:
Leave a comment with another favorite item from Plumb Pretty.

"Like" Plumb Pretty Jewelry on Facebook.

Make a purchase from Plumb Pretty's Etsy shop (I will contact her to make sure this was done. +7 entries).

Follow Plumb Pretty on Twitter, PlumbPretty.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the post (can be done once daily).

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Blog about this giveaway, leave a link to the post (+3 entries).

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the comments. Giveaway is open worldwide. Giveaway ends 8/8/10 at 8 pm CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or a new winner will be drawn.

I received no product or compensation for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Traci66's Tell Me More Blog Hop

Traci66 has a blog hop going on right now called Tell Me More. Basically, she has posted a few interesting and a few weird questions that she'd like her readers to answer. I'm not sure if she plans on doing this more than once, but I think it's a fun way to get other people's views and opinions on questions posed.

1. Do you believe in UFOs?

I honestly don't know if I do or don't. I'm not 100% convinced but there are a few episodes I've heard about that make me think it could be possible.

2. Have you ever seen a UFO?

I've seen weird lights in the sky, but I'm definitely not close enough to them to determine if they are, indeed, a UFO.

3. Are you superstitious?

I despise the number 6 so I try to avoid eating six of anything at a time or having a group of something together that totals that dreaded number.

4. Do you read horoscopes?

I do not read them and I don't like them read to me. I have a friend that used to insist that she read me my horoscope. I wanted to strangle her. They're another one of those things that I despise.

5. Do you believe in horoscopes?

I do not. I believe that God will give me direction. I also believe that I'm not going to let an astrological sign determine my mood for a day.

6. What sign are you?

Sagittarius

7. Do you believe in ghost/spirits?

I've had too many weird episodes, so yes I do.

8. Do you have a ghost story?

My grandfather visited me many years ago. I remember seeing a vision of him at the foot of my bed and he was reassuring me that he knows what is going on with my life and he still watches over me and he's proud. That's just one story. There's more but I won't scare or bore you.

9. Do you believe in life after death?

I believe in eternal life after death. The whole heaven and hell concept is what I believe in.

10. Do you like blog memes?

I enjoy participating in them when I get the time.

11. What are some of your favorite blog memes?

Don't anyone get offended here because I participate in so many that it's impossible for me to remember them all. My favorite, of course, is Keepin' Company Thursdays because I'm a co-host. Two that I frequently participate in and like are Random Tuesday Thoughts with The Un Mom and Wordful Wednesday with Seven Clown Circus.

12. What is some of your favorite quotes?

All around a pig's arse is pork.

Breyers Smooth & Dreamy - Review & Giveaway

It has been raging hot lately and we've been doing what we can to stay cool. One way that helps is by consuming ice cream. I recently tried the new Breyers Smooth & Dreamy ice cream bars in Triple Chocolate Chip and, let me tell you, they are a chocolate lover's dream. Between me, my husband, and the six kids the ice cream bars barely made it to the freezer before they were devoured.



The new line of Breyers Smooth & Dreamy ice cream bars and sandwiches have less fat and calories than regular ice cream bars or sandwiches. You won't find any artifical flavors or colors either. I've mentioned before that I'm more about taste than anything. A food product has to attract my taste buds first and foremost. The Triple Chocolate Chip bars not only did that, but it was a welcoming relief to help cool us down. It's definitely a plus in my book when it's a treat that all eight of us liked.

So far I've only found the Triple Chocolate Chip bars in my area grocery stores. Hopefully they soon stock up on the other varieties such as the Chocolate Caramel Brownie sandwiches so I can taste the other deliciousness.



Win It!
Three people will each win a coupon for a free full-size box of Breyers Smooth & Dreamy.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with which kind of Breyers Smooth & Dreamy you think you'd get.

Extra Entries:
Follow Breyers on Twitter, Breyers.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the tweet (can be done once daily).

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Blog about this giveaway, leave a link to the post (+3 entries).

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the comments. Giveaway is open to residents of the USA. Giveaway ends 8/3/10 at 8 pm CST. Winners will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn.

I received coupons from MomCentral in order to faciliate a candid and honest review. I will also be receiving a gift card. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.