Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop - 2 Winners On My Blog

I'm super excited to be a part of the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop that's happening from December 1st to the 5th. There are mega blogs to visit and just as many giveaways to enter.
By the way, if you like to enter giveaways, I have lots listed at the top right hand side of my blog.



For my participation in the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop, I am giving away two prizes. One person will win a $100 IGIGI gift certificate to use on plus size apparel for women. A second person will win a $20 Target gift card and a $15 iTunes gift card.







Win It!

One person will win a $100 IGIGI gift certificate.

A second person will win a $20 Target gift card and a $15 iTunes gift card.

Mandatory Entry:

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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 12/05/10 at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn.

The IGIGI gift certificate is sponsored by IGIGI. The Target and iTunes gift cards are personally sponsored by me. 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.

Colorado Bag'n Baggage 12 Days of Holiday Travel Giving

The 12 Days of Holiday Travel Giving starts tomorrow, December 1st, at Colorado Bag'n Baggage. For twelve days, they will be giving away gifts from 15 of their vendors. A couple of entries include "liking" companies on Facebook and/or following them on Twitter. Entrants are eligible everyday to win a prize and all entries will be put back in the random drawing after each day.

Prize Package Details:

Day One package: (retail value: $321) - December 1st Drawing
Tumi Smoky Quartz Quintessential Tote
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
GoGirl
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Lewis N. Clark watertight Camera Pouch

Day two package: (retail value: $289) - December 2nd Drawing
STM revolution medium laptop backpack
STM Bags iPad jacket
GoGirl
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Vera Bradley Classic tote in versailles

Day three package: (retail value $296) - December 3rd Drawing
Eagle Creek gift sets
Pacsafe slingsafe 50 anti-theft phone purse
GoGirl
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Vera Bradley Stephanie handbag in Verry Berry Paisley

Day four package: (retail value $245) - December 6th Drawing
Ellington Mia Tote
Pacsafe slingsafe 50 anti-theft phone purse
GoGirl
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Lewis N. Clark watertight Camera Pouch

Day five package: (retail value $533) - December 7th Drawing
Thule Backpack with laptop storage
Thule 21" Upright Roller
GoGirl
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Vera Bradley checkbook wallet in Vera Vera

Day Six package: (retail value $367) - December 8th Drawing
Hobo Paulina shoulder bag in cognac
Hobo Euroslide wallet in denim
GoGirl
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
Go Toobs
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet

Day Seven package: (retail value $471) - December 9th Drawing
Bric’s 21” carbonite trolley in gunmetal
GoGirl
B. Dazzle puzzle
VinniBag
Pacsafe Slingsafe 50 anti-theft phone purse
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Vera Bradley A+ Tote in buttercup

Day Eight package: (retail value $564) - December 10th Drawing
Thule 30 liter backpack
Thule 87 liter Rolling Duffel (30”)
GoGirl
VinniBag
B. Dazzle puzzle
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Lewis N. Clark Travel blanket
Vera Bradley classic tote in Hello Dahlia

Day Nine Package: (retail value $285) - December 13th Drawing
Vera Bradley baby bag in Vera Vera
Vera Bradley ditty bag in Hello Dahlia
B. Dazzle puzzle
Pacsafe Slingsafe 50 anti-theft phone purse
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Go Toobs

Day Ten Package (retail value $340) December 14th Drawing
Bric’s large sportina bag in black
GoGirl
Pacsafe Slingsafe 50 anti-theft phone purse
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Lewis N. Clark Travel blanket
B. Dazzle puzzle
Vera Bradley convertible satchel in Vera Vera

Day Eleven Package (retail value $308) - December 15th Drawing
Vera Bradley double zip satchel in city sport nylon grey
Vera Bradley chainlink handbag in city sport nylon navy
Vera Bradley Button up in Buttercup
B. Dazzle puzzle
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
GoGirl

Day Twelve Grand Prize (retail value $5663) - December 16th Drawing
Luxury all-inclusive cruise vacation from LuxeClub Travel
Briggs and Riley BRX Excursion Backpack
Briggs & Riley BRX Explore 25 Upright
B. Dazzle puzzle
Pacsafe Slingsafe 50 anti-theft phone purse
GoGirl travel set
Bosca money clip front pocket wallet
Lewis and Clark comfort gift set
Vera Bradley cooler in Hello Dahlia

I know that I'm going to use every entry opportunity that I can to win any one of these nice giveaways. If you're interested in learning about more, read further information and giveaway rules at the 12 Days of Holiday Travel Giving page.

I received no product or compensation for this post. It is an informational post only. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchaising products. Your opinions and results may differ. I am not responsible for this giveaway.

EatSmart - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

I posted the other day about seeing myself in a picture and not even recognizing that it was me. I did so well with losing weight during the summer and keeping it off, but have gained a few pounds back since camping season's been over. I'm not proud of letting myself go again but am determined to get back on track.

EatSmart helps people keep track of calories and weight management with their digital scales. The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, which I received, serves as a food guidance system to regulate calories, nutrients, and portion size appropriate for your lifestyle.

After seeing the photo of myself (thanks hubby for the wakeup call) I decided not to wait until making a New Year's resolution to lose weight and keep it off. I decided the time is now. I've been using the EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale regularly and it keeps me motivated.

The scale is just the right size and doesn't take up much counter space. Keeping it out in the open is a reminder of food portion and control. With the four measurement modes, I am able to weigh my food and see how much is the right recommended amount. The scale takes regular batteries and gives a digital display of measurement. It surprisingly, for such a compact scale, weighs food and other items up to 11 pounds. The red color of the scale matches my kitchen decor, which is an unnecessary but sweet bonus. Included with the scale is a Calorie-Factor Food Booklet that helps with portion control and calorie counting. I've found that some foods I regularly eat are not the best choices and there are alternatives. I am in the right frame of mind to lose weight and keep it off. This digital scale has been a helpful tool, and I plan on continuing to use it.

In addition to using the scale for food measurement, I've been using it to weigh packages that need to be mailed. I have a few that need sent off and I've found that the scale gives me an accurate reading of how much the package weighs so I can estimate how much postate will be needed.



Features of the EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale

1. EatSmart Precision Pro Sensor Technology
2. Compact Design and easy two-button operation
3. Tare Feature; Subtract the weight of any plate or container
4. 4 measurement modes: grams / ounces / kilograms / pounds
5. Max weight 11 pounds / 5 kilograms
6. Auto-Calibration; 3 minute Auto-Turnoff
7. Economically priced
8. FREE Calorie Factors book - Perfect for calorie counting and portion control



Win It!

One person will win a EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale in choice of color.

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment with another product from EatSmart that you'd be interested in trying.

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment with which color of EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale you'd choose.

Follow EatSmart Products on Twitter, EatSmartScales.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

Blog about this giveaway or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

"Like" EatSmart Products on Facebook.

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Enter any current giveaway at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 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 12/14/10 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 EatSmart Products. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not in fluenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Flings Bins - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

I love the holidays for all the gatherings, gifts, and meals. But with it comes more trash and things to be thrown away. Flings make trash pickup and recycling easier with their pop-up bins in different designs and colors.



Flings recycling containers are made up of biodegradable and recycled materials, with different patterns and designs to fit your event needs. They arrive in compact form and easily pop up when ready for use. There are reinforcements on the sides and bottom so it doesn't tip over or fall flat. Once you are completely done with your Flings Bin, all you have to do is tie it up like a garbage bag and toss it with your other trash.



For my daughter's birthday in April, I was able to review a couple of Flings Bins. One was used at her birthday party to put trash in while the other was used a few times to haul dirty clothes from the camper to home.

I recently received a Snowflake Bin, one of the new patterns available from Flings. I'm really fond of the festive look of the snowflake pattern. For now, the Flings Bin is holding my wrapping paper rolls to keep them upright and stored all in one place. Once the presents are unwrapped and the paper is ready to be thrown away, I'm going to use the Flings Bin as easy access to throw it in. I've used Flings Bins for a number of reasons, making it more convenient and more accessible to do many things. They are not limited to trash alone.



Through December 24th, Flings is offering two free holiday bins to the person of your choice when you purchase any Flings trash or recycling bin for yourself. After you complete your order, a form will pop up so you can select the gift recipient of the free bins you want to send to, along with choice of holiday pattern.


Win It!
Two people will each win two Snowflake Bins.

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment with your favorite Flings Bin.

Extra Entries:

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

Blog about this giveaway or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

"Like" Flings Bins on Facebook.

Enter any current giveaway at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 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 12/14/10 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 product for review from Flings. 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.

Holidays Are Happier For These Winners

Five of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winner of the Teleflora giveaway is #102, tyson2468 (confirmed).

tyson2468 said... 102
:) Daily Tweet!
http://twitter.com/HeidiHMc/status/4400551773085696

November 15, 2010 11:09 PM

The winner of the Say It With Socks giveaway is #10, furygirl3132 (confirmed).

furygirl3132 said... 10
Have your button on my blog:
http://mommy2twogirls.blogspot.com/
(left sidebar under the Blogs I Love section)

Eloise

November 13, 2010 12:00 PM

The winner of the Energy Muse giveaway is #2, susie (confirmed).

susie said... 2
David Beckman has been wearing their jewelry.

November 13, 2010 1:11 PM

The winner of the PetCakes giveaway is #73, Shannon.

Shannon said... 73
gfc follower

November 15, 2010 1:09 AM

The two winners of the Ramona and Beezus DVD giveaway are #10, carolsnotebook and #109, Traci Fritz.

carolsnotebook said... 10
Great giveaway. I think my daughter would enjoy Dear Mr. Henshaw.

November 15, 2010 1:10 PM

Traci Fritz said... 109
tweet 11/22
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/6702340585291778

November 22, 2010 7:36 AM

With the exception of the ones already confirmed, I have emailed the winners and they have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn. Many thanks to the sponsors and all who entered. I have numerous other giveaways listed at the top right hand side of my blog that you can enter. There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Cradle Rock - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

There's something about lullabies that are so soothing and relaxing. They help lull babies and little ones to sleep. Heck, they even calm me.

A pleasing gift for little ones are Cradle Rock CDs from Tree Top Records. These CDs are musical lullaby compositions based upon famous musical legends. There are currently three CDs out right now, with more titles coming soon.

The cover art on the CDs are too cute, each giving resemblence to the artist for who the lullabies are composed after. There are no words to the music, but instead lullaby renditions of famous songs. I've enjoyed listening to the CDs myself and hearing the soothing music while I mentally take note of the songs I know and hum along. I like all three Cradle Rock CDs but my favorite is the Michael Jackson one. That's probably because I already knew most of his songs and can hear the similarities that take place with the lullabies.

Cradle Rock Michael Jackson CD:
Track List - 1. Wanna Be Startin' Something 2. Baby Be Mine 3. The Girl Is Mine 4. Thriller 5. Beat It 6. Billie Jean 7. Human Nature 8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 9. The Lady In My Life

Cradle Rock Johnny Cash CD:
Track List - 1. Cry Cry Cry 2. Folsom Prison Blues 3. Walk the Line 4. Ring of Fire 5. Jackson 6. Boy Named Sue 7. Rusty Cage 8. I've Been Everywhere 9. The Man Comes Around 10. Hurt

Cradle Rock Kenny Chesney CD:
Track List - 1. Out Last Night 2. Living Life In Fast Forward 3. Young 4. Summertime 5. Beer In Mexico 6. There Goes My Life 7. When the Sun Goes Down 8. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems 9. The Good Stuff 10. Never Wanted Nothing More

Win It!
One person will win choice of Cradle Rock CD (Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, or Kenny Chesney).

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with which CD you would choose.

Extra Entries:

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Blog about this giveaway or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

Follow Tree Top Records on Twitter, treetoprecords.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

Enter any current giveaway at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 entries.

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the giveaways. Giveaway is open to residents of the USA and Canada. Giveaway ends 12/13/10 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 CDs for review from Tree Top Records. 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.

Save the Children and IKEA - Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway

If you're looking for a holiday gift that is unique and helps make a difference in people's lives, consider purchasing from the Save the Children catalog. Save the Children is an organization that helps create lasting change in the lives of children in need.


When you choose a gift from the 2010 Gift Catalog you'll give joy and lasting change to a child in need. Every child deserves happiness and this is a way of showing you care. There are different product categories in the catalog and a free personalized card is directly sent to your honoree featuring the exact gift item chosen in their name. One purchase that you can make is for a soccer ball for $30, which will be given to children in impoverished areas where equipment is rare. Or you could purchase an emergency evacuation backpack for $20 to give kids the strengh to overcome disasters. The list of gifts to help goes on and on.



IKEA has partnered with Save the Children to offer adorable stuffed soft toys under $10. For every toy sold, 1 euro (approximately $1.35 US dollar) will go to Save the Children and UNICEF to extend and start new children's educational programs in 22 countries.



Win It!
One person will win two IKEA soft toys (to be chosen by sponsor).

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with the name of a gift that can be purchased from the 2010 Save the Children catalog.

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment with something you learned from the Donor FAQs.

Leave a comment with your favorite IKEA soft toy.

Follow Save the Children on Twitter, savethechildren.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

"Like" Save the Children on Facebook.

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Blog about this giveaway or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

Enter any current giveaway at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 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 12/13/10 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 no product or compensation for this post. This is a giveaway post on behalf of Save the Children. 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.

You Lucky Dog - Holiday Gift Guide DVD Review

DVD Synopsis:

A Hallmark Channel original movie, You Lucky Dog was released from Vivendi Entertainment on DVD November 9th. You Lucky Dog follows working woman Lisa Rayborn as she returns to her hometown of White Tail Creek to pay respect to her late mother. Soon after her arrival, she discovers the town's cattle ranching heritage has fallen on tough economic times and that her own family ranch is struggling. Determined to make things right, she adopts a shelter dog named "Lucky" with the intention of bringing life back to the ranch. What she finds is that the determination of one little furry friend will help to inspire an entire town.

My Review:

The Hallmark Channel is one of my faves for their original movies. Most leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy in the end, and You Lucky Dog is no exception. It is a heartfelt movie that shows struggles, romance, and canine loyalty. This movie would make a remarkable holiday gift for the movie or animal lover in your life.

I received DVD for review from Bender/Helper Impact. 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.

Piggy Paint - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

In my household, all six of the kids have stockings for Christmas. I individually wrap each item, no matter how small, and fill the stockings to the brim. The girls like makeup and nail polish, which I'm happy to provide for them but I want beauty products that are age-appropriate.



Piggy Paint has a line of non-toxic nail polishes that make wonderful stocking stuffers for little girls, tweens, and teens. With a wide range of colors, Piggy Paint sells individual nail polishes or gift sets.

We received two nail polishes from the Project Earth line. The two we received were LOL, a bright pink color, and Eat Your Peace, a bright green color. We were already familiar with Piggy Paint from a review I did some time ago, but it was nice to get the two new colors and have a manicure night with the girls.

Painting our nails with these bright colors, me and the girls giggled and talked as we applied the nail polishes. It took two coats for superior color, but the nail polish came out on the brush without any gloppiness or messiness.

I don't mind the girls using Piggy Paint frequently because it is odorless (the boys don't have to run from the room due to the fumes), non-toxic, and eco-friendly. A mom came up with this genius idea after her daughter's nail polish ate through a plate. (Scarey!) The water-based formula dries just as well as regular nail polishes. My girls like the shiny gloss that the polish gives while I like that it's safe for them to use.

Exclusive Discount Code:

Use coupon code HECK10L for 10% off your Piggy Paint order. Expires January 31, 2011.

Win It!
One person will win a $15 gift certificate to Piggy Paint.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with your favorite color of Piggy Paint nail polish.

Extra Entries:
Leave a comment with something you learned from the Piggy Paint FAQs.

"Like" Piggy Paint on Facebook.

Follow Piggy Paint on Twitter, piggypaint.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

Blog about this giveaway or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Enter any of the current giveaways at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 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 12/13/10 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 products for review from Piggy Paint. 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.

Glee Gum Make Your Own Candy Kit - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

Imagine hearing this conversation for ten minutes straight:

Logan -

"Oh my gosh, that is so good."

(licking of lips)

"Pleeeeease, can I have another one, it is sooooo good."

(more licking of lips)

"It is so good. It is so good. It is so good"

Husband to Logan -

"Is there anything else you'd like to say? That's all I've heard for ten minutes straight."

Logan -

"Yep." (short pause) "It is awesome."


In case you're wondering what the "It's So Good" conversation was all about, it was Logan raving about the Make Your Own Chocolate Kit afer he and his brother created their own chocolate and ate it.

From the makers of Glee Gum comes Make Your Own Candy Kits. The three different ones available are Chocolate, Chewing Gum, and Gummies. The gum kit uses natural chicle. The chocolate kit includes organic cocoa butter from Costa Rica, and the gummies kit contains carrageenan made from seaweed from the Philippines. We chose the Make Your Own Chocolate Kit and you would've thought it was the best tasting thing to hit Logan's mouth with the way he carried on about it.

One evening when I just had the boys we gathered together to make our own chocolate with the kit. Each ingredient was packaged and labelled individually. Included in the kit was organic cocoa butter, cocoa powder, confectioner's sugar, starter crystals, a temperature indicator. paper candy liners, instructions, and a story about chocolate. Also included were two natural cocoa beans to crack open and taste the natural flavor of. I have to say that we weren't thrilled with the taste of cocoa beans in their natural state, but it gave the boys a learning experience of where chocolate comes from.

The chocolate had the option to be made from the stovetop or microwave. We chose the microwave. I won't go into detail about each individual step, but it was a lot easier to make than I thought it would be. There was no confusion about the directions and the steps mostly consisted of mixing, stirring, and microwaving.

After the chocolate was ready, the boys poured some into the individual cups. The cups were somewhat flimsy so we had to be careful not to overfill. Once that task was complete, the chocolate cups were set in the fridge to chill.

It didn't take long for the "It's So Good" conversation to start once Logan took a bite of the chocolate. Adam really liked it too and was grinning because he got to help make it. I won't deny that I wasn't wary at first of how it would taste. I've eaten candies from kits before and they were substandard. I was wowed at how well the chocolate tasted. I had to agree with Logan - it was, indeed, very good.


Win It!
One person will win a Make Your Own Candy Kit of choice (chocolate, gummies, or chewing gum).

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with which Make Your Own Candy Kit you would choose.

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment with something you learned from the Glee Gum FAQs.

"Like" Glee Gum on Facebook.

Follow Glee Guy on Twitter, gleeguy.

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 or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

Enter any of the current giveaways at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 entries.

Leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address in the comments. Giveaway is open to residents of the continental USA. Giveaway ends 12/12/10 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 Verve. 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.

Urbanity Studios - Holiday Cards Review and Big Cyber Monday Discount

On Cyber Monday, November 29th, you can save 40% off your entire order at Urbanity Studios. This discount is valid only on Cyber Monday from 10 am - 7 pm EST. Use code ROCKON40 at checkout to receive this tremendous savings. If you haven't yet ordered your holiday cards or Christmas party invitations, now is the time to do so.




You may already be ahead of the game with holiday cards and invitations. That's okay becuase Urbanity Studios has invitations, address labels, or cards for different occasions. They also offer personalized stationery, birth announcements, invitations, and more.

Urbanity is an online stationery company dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction. Flat rate shipping is $2.95 in the USA, and a designer checks your order and sends a final proof before production.



I was able to choose a Photo Christmas Card for review and my selection ended up being the Candy Cane Photo Card design. It seems I can rarely get all six kids together, what with their busy schedules and all, so I resorted to taking three different photos and combining them all onto the one card. After I made my card selection, I used the design center to upload my photos and add text. The design center was very easy to navigate around and use. Once I approved the final design, I submitted the order.

In just a short time, I received an email from one of the design team members who tweaked the photo card so it would look perfect. When I did the design myself with the three photos, there was some white space left on the card. The designer shifted the photos around so there would be no white space and waited for my approval. I was happy for the help and emailed back with my mark of approval.



In just a few short days my holiday photo cards and envelopes arrived by mail. I am very pleased with the final outcome. Although the photo above looks like they may be dull in color, it is in fact the opposite (blame it on my camera). The colors are bright and I'm excited to be sending these to friends and loved ones. I've kept one back for myself to put in my scrapbook as a reminder of the lovely photo card that was sent one Christmas season.



I received holiday photo cards for review from Urbanity Studios. 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.

The Cyber Monday discount code is only available on the date and times indicated. It cannot be combined with any other offers and is not applicable to previously placed orders.

Auntie Anne's - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

Everytime I go to our local mall, it's inevitable that I will buy something from Auntie Anne's. The deliciousness of their pretzels and sweet taste of their lemonade is heavenly. In fact, I was shopping at the mall yesterday and gave in to the temptation of Auntie Anne's. The Original Stix I purchased were melt in your mouth delicious.

There's no need to stress if you're not able to get to your local Auntie Anne's often. That's because you can purchase an Auntie Anne's At-Home Baking Kit to make your own pretzels from home. This baking kit would also make an impressive gift for the holidays. (Hint to my husband!)

Included in the Auntie Anne's At-Home Baking Kit are all the ingredients needed to bake ten original or cinnamon sugar pretzels, or fifteen pretzel dogs. The only extra items needed are flour and cooking spray.

I've mentioned before that I'm not much of a cook. But I sure do like to eat! So the preparations of the At-Home Baking Kit were left to my husband. He mixed the ingredients according to directions and set the dough aside to rise. It did not take long to rise as you may imagine it would, a little less than half an hour.



Once the dough was ready, Jason followed the instructions that came with the kit. There was a diagram showing how to properly roll pretzels. The first two Jason did turned out looking like the intended finished product, but it went downhill from there.


Once the pretzels were baked, some were sprinkled with salt while others were sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. You should've seen our mouths watering, waiting for them to cool off. Not a second too soon, we got our grubby hands on the pretzels and tasted the goodness. Granted, not all of the pretzels came out looking professionally twisted. None of that mattered to us. What mattered was that each of us had one to savor. The taste matches that of an Auntie Anne's pretzel you would purchase at a store.

The pretzels made at the store and the ones made from the kit are closely matched. The baking kit gives consumers the taste of Auntie Anne's delectable pretzels from home.




Win It!
One person will win an Auntie Anne's At-Home Baking Kit.

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment with which recipe you'd use with your kit.

Extra Entries:

Sign up for Auntie Anne's Pretzel Perks.

Leave a comment with your favorite Auntie Anne's product.

Follow Auntie Anne's on Twitter, AuntieAnnes.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

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Follow my blog.

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Have my button on your blog.

Blog about this giveaway or enter it a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

Enter any current giveaway at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 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 12/12/10 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 Auntie Anne's. 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.

Save Big with Explore Chicagoland

If you live in the Chicago area or travel there often, Explore Chicagoland has a savings book on sale now. For the price of $79, you will receive a savings book that includes free admission to many of the museums, shows, and attractions in the Chicago area.

Most vouchers are valid immediately and expire December 2011. More than $450 worth of vouchers are available in one book, all for the price of $79. The Explore Chicagoland books went on sale November 1st and there are limited copies available, so purchase one now if it's something that you're interested in.

These are the offers available in the Explore Chicagoland book:

Amazing Chicago's - Funhouse Maze - One (1) General Admission $11.00

Bike and Roll - One (1) Two Hour Comfort/Kids Bike Rental
from the Foster Avenue Beach - $25.00

Brookfield Zoo - One (1) General Admission - $13.50

Chicago Architectural Foundation - One (1) General Admission for Modern Skyscraper, Skyscraper Walk, through Time, Chicago Old & New, Millenium Park Revealed, Rise of Skyscraper or Treasures Walking Tours - $15.00

Chicago Children's Museum - One (1) Adult or Child Admission to
Chicago Children's Museum - $10.00

Chicago Rush - One (1) Blue Section Seat at any Allstate Arena Home Game - $28.00

Chicago Water Taxi - One (1) All day pass - excludes Saturdays in July or August - $6.00

Chicago Slaughter - One (1) Lower Level Ticket for any Home Game - $12.00

Donley's Wild West Town - One (1) General Admission - $15.00

DuPage Children's Museum - One (1) General Admission - $8.50

Fantasy Kingdom - One (1) General Admission - $12.00

Harlem Globetrotters - One (1) Allstate Arena scheduled 2010 or 2011 Performance - $20.00

Illinois Railway Museum - One (1) General Fare - $10.00

John Hancock Observatory - One (1) General Admission - $21.00

Kane County Cougars - One (1) Ticket for any Home, Sunday- Friday, Regular Season Games
- $10.00

Kohl Children's Museum - One (1) General Admission - not valid in January or April - $8.50

MagiQuest - One (1) Hour of Free Play at Yorktown Kingdom - $12.95

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament - One (1) Dinner and Tournament
at Schaumburg Castle - excludes Saturday evening shows - $59.95

Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix - One (1) $20 Race - $20.00

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago - One (1) General Admission - $12.00

Navy Pier Imax Theatre - One (1) Admission to "Born to be Wild" or
Traditional IMAX Presentation under 60 Minutes - $11.00

Noble Horse Theatre - One (1) Showing of "The Nutcracker", "Quadrille", or
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow " - Excludes Saturday Performances - $25.00

Orbit Skate Center - One (1) Free Admission and Skate Rental - $8.50

Pirates Cove Children's Theme Park - One (1) General Admission - $9.00

Raging Waves - One (1) General Weekday Admission - $27.00

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey - One (1) Reserved Seat for Weekday Performance at Allstate Arena or United Center - $13.00

Sesame Street Live "1-2-3 Imagine! With Elmo & Friends" - One (1) Reserved Seat at the Rosemont Theatre: May 12–15, 2011 - $15.00

Wendella Boats - One (1) 90-Minute Combined Lake & River Tour or 75-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour - Blackout Dates May Apply - $25.00

TOTAL COMBINED PRICE $463.90
EXPLORE CHICAGOLAND PRICE $79.00

I received no compensation or product for this post. This is an informational post. Please do your own research before purchasing products. Your opinions and results may differ.

Schleich - Holiday Gift Guide Review and Giveaway

Some time ago I did a review and giveaway for Schleich with their Wild Life action figures. Me and the kids also attended a Schleich product showcase party in the summer, hosted by my sister. Since being introduced to Schleich, I haven't seen finer or more intricate details on figures anywhere else.

Schleich figurines first came to life in the 1950's and were started with comic figurines. The design of their products are as realistic and naturalistic as possible. I can say that is true with every figurine I've personally seen from this company. The figures are not made up of some cheap plastic. They are made to last through years of play or display.



Schleich is celebrating their 75th anniversary. To celebrate, they are offering an exclusive figure free with the purchase of their Airplane. When you purchase the Airplane, a voucher is included to redeem online for the free exclusive figure. To also celebrate their 75th anniversary, Schleich has online games where you can register and play the games for the chance to win 1 of 75 prizes.



Once my son, Logan, found out about Schleich and all their action figures he was practically begging me for The World of Knights. Its collection features knights in action, along with dragons, castles, and other accessories to complete the set.




Schleich was kind enough to send four of The World of Knights figures to my son. Talk about beyond the moon excited! I can't tell you how many times he's erected his own playsets to stage battles between the knights. The action figures aren't jointed and don't move, but the detail is non-comparable to most others I've seen. Of course Logan now wants more figures and accessories to add to his knights collection. I've seen Schleich sold at our local Farm & Home Supply. Before Christmas, I'm going to go out there to purchase more if they are still available.



Win It!
One person will win two figures from The World of Knights collection (to be chosen by sponsor).

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with the name of your favorite new product from Schleich.

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment with an online or retail store that carries Schleich figures.

Follow my blog.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Have my button on your blog.

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25.

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

Enter any current giveaway at Traci66 (+1 for each entered).

Blog about this giveaway or enter it in a giveaway linky (+3 entries).

If you added the Santa's Helpers Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog and left a comment at the announcement post before the deadline, +4 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 12/10/10 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 products for review from Schleich. 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.