Did you know that a battery can be made out of a potato or that human bones are stronger than concrete?  These are just two of the three hundred outrageous, hard to get your mind around, facts you’ll find in National Geographic Kids new book entitled Weird But True.

I grew up playing Trivial Pursuit and find random facts and pieces of information interesting.  Adults and children alike will find Weird But True fascinating, educational, and entertaining.  Here is a short blurb from the site:

Weird But True is based on the hugely popular magazine page of quirky, fun facts that many readers of National Geographic Kids magazine turn to first.  All of the facts in this handy book will amaze friends and family: Animals Superpowers, Chills and Thrills, Eat or Be Eaten, Mini and Mega, Wild and Crazy, and much, much more.

I think it is a fun, creative way to get children excited and interested in the subject matter.  It opens the door for discussion and expansion on topics brought up in the book. The pictures are colorful and kid-friendly.  I think that it would be fun to read a fact a day (which would last approximately one year).    Weird But True is appropriate for children 6 and up, however, as an adult I found the book intriguing.

Weird But True is available online and at retailers nationwide.

Win It! One of you will win a copy of Weird But True.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of another book you’d like to read, from the site.  Comments will close on April 2, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A copy of the book was provided to facilitate this review and giveaway.

It’s not often that I talk about my cultural background.  I’m actually embarrassed that most of you probably don’t know I’m Puerto Rican. I grew up with parents who wanted to “mainstream” me.  They wanted me to have as many opportunities as possible.  It wasn’t until I entered high school that I even thought about learning our native language.  I’m 32 years old and disappointed that I had the opportunity to be bilingual, but am not (but I can still learn!).

Learning a second language can only help your child.  Having spent some time living overseas, I was surprised at how many children speak more than one language.  Because my husband is Caucasian, my children will have that much more difficulty learning a second language because they won’t grow up hearing it spoken.  This is why it’s so important to me to start teaching my son basic Spanish at an early age.

Many months ago, I learned about a program called Boca Beth.  I actually had no idea that I could start teaching my son Spanish at a very young age.  I thought he had to master English first. Boca Beth products offer parents a fun way to introduce Spanish AND English to their children.  This is one of the only programs that teaches language in this way.  Bilingual education is optimal for children learning their native language.

The program is fun…which is important to me.  I wasn’t always thrilled about learning a second language as a child.  I didn’t see the need for it (how ironic!).  My son loves to learn.  We read and complete mini phonics lessons, so starting this program was something exciting for him.  The program seeks to teach children in a variety of ways by tapping into many of their senses.  They can watch the DVD, listen to the CD, color and complete the activity book, and touch the puppet and maracas.  Best of all, I don’t have to know a single word of Spanish to teach my children with this program (did you hear that hubby?).

Boca Beth has won several awards and was created by a teacher.  It’s been used in preschools, public schools and homes for over six years. Some of the benefits of the program include early reading skills and advanced communication abilities.  And best of all, it’s very affordable.

My son received the Boca Beth Beginner Set, which includes their first bilingual music CD, their first bilingual DVD, BOCA the puppet, a coloring book, and an easy reading How to Guide.  We try to do something each day (whether it be listening to the CD, watching the DVD, etc.). The only basic Spanish my son had coming into the program was familiarity with Spanish numbers (up to number 10).  Right now, he’s imitating several of the words in the program. We still need lots of practice matching the English and Spanish words.

One of my questions was, why a puppet?  I learned that puppets help to bring out native and new language in children.

Boca Beth is an effective, easy-to-use program that makes learning Spanish fun for both parents and children.

Win It! One of you will win a Boca Beth Beginner Backpack (ARV $49.99).  Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on the site.  Comments will close on April 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review and giveaway.

St. Patrick’s Day is this week, and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers an array of holiday-themed flower arrangements and gift baskets to celebrate the occasion. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers fresh flowers and an exquisite selection of plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods, confections, and stuffed animals.  I’ve received flowers and gifts over the years from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, and I’ve never been disappointed by the presentation and freshness of the flowers or food.  What’s great about the company is that you can find an arrangement or gift in a variety of price ranges.

This St. Patrick’s Day, check out their gorgeous flower arrangements and gourmet fresh baked goods.  The company partners with several different food companies to offer uniquely-arranged baskets.  On Friday, we received a Cheryl & Co. St. Pats Day Sampler Gift Tower.  Before the weekend was over, the cookies and brownies were gone.  My favorite item was the Frosted Shamrock Cut-0ut cookies.  They’re super soft and buttery,which is how I prefer my cookies.  All of the items taste fresh, considering the fact that the package was shipped to me.

The presentation was just as gorgeous as what was inside.  1-800-FLOWERS.COM utilizes some of the world’s top floral artists to create unique arrangements.  And their food items celebrate the occasion with festive gift boxes and tins.

Now through March 17th, you’ll save 15% on gifts over $24.99.  Simply use the code STPADDY at checkout.

Win It! One of you will win a $50 gift certificate to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of a product you like from the site.  Comments will close on March 30th, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review and giveaway.

Some days, when I’m reading to my son, I think that I could do it…I think that I could home school.  No preschool is going to give him the one-on-one attention that I can.  In just two short years, my little boy is having full conversations with us, knows his alphabet, and can spell dog.  As a mom, I want to do everything I can to foster his growth and development in all areas.  One of the most important things I can do for my son is to teach him to read before he enters kindergarten.

I grew up hearing about Hooked On Phonics.  I even remember the commercials with children stating, “Hooked On Phonics worked for me!”  So, I had to check it out for myself.  I had been perusing the internet, looking for a reputable program I could do at home with my son.  Hooked On Phonics offers a new Learn to Read program which gives children a strong foundation in phonics and reading readiness skills.  The program focuses on helping children learn letter names, letter sounds, uppercase letters, lowercase letters and blending sounds…all of the phonemic basics for learning to read.  Here is a bit more information from the site:

Designed in conjunction with leading educators, award-winning authors, teachers and parents, the new Hooked On Phonics Learn to Read gives children the fundamentals to become confident readers. The instructional approach and techniques used in this program are based on research and address each stage of the child’s reading development. Hooked On Phonics Learn to Read systematically builds from introducing letters to sounds, then to words and sentences, incorporating more complex sounds and blends with each step.

Apart from the fact that the program’s principles are well-researched,  my son enjoys it, which is extremely important.  The best program available won’t work if my son won’t participate.  Every day for the past two weeks, my son asks me to work with him on his “lesson.”  A “lesson” incorporates a variety of activities to reinforce a particular concept (in our case, the letters). The suggested time frame for completing each lesson is approximately 20 minutes (but it usually only takes us about 15).  Each day focuses on a letter (starting with A) and includes activities designed to help children understand the shape of the letter.  We then practice saying words that start with that letter and my son traces the letter with his fingers. A variety of senses are used, which I appreciate, since children learn in a multitude of ways.  Engaging multiple senses increases the likelihood that a child will retain the concepts being learned.  The lesson also includes a video clip, a story, flash card review, and online content to practice and reinforce the skills he just learned.  At the end of the lesson, we celebrate with a sticker.  My son’s favorite part of the lesson (besides the end where we get a sticker), is the online component.

My son is 33 months (just 3 months shy of 3) and the recommended age to begin this program is 3.  However, my son has always been developmentally advanced for his age.  He came into this program with a knowledge of the entire alphabet.  He knows his “ABCs” and can recognize all 26 letters on most occasions.  So in a sense, some of the aspects of this lesson are too easy for him, while others are definitely appropriate for where he’s at right now.  For example, right now he knows that a is for apple and b makes a “bah” sound.  But we’re working on rhyming (which he doesn’t really grasp at this point).  Here is a summary of what was included in the Learn to Read, Pre K version:

6 original storybooks written to promote the skills your child learns in the program, including 2 books by the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, David McPhail
2 workbooks that will guide you and your child through all of the lessons and many fun activities
2 DVDs filled with music videos and fun introductions to each lesson, where letters come to life
Quick Start Guide
2 sets of stickers to proudly display in the workbooks and celebrate reading success
4 sets of letter and picture flash cards designed to reinforce letter names and letter sounds

Hooked On Phonics is a program that offers parents the tools to help their children learn to read.  It’s easy, fun, and effective.  My son has enjoyed reading since he was a baby.  Teaching him to read is a natural progression of our time spent reading.

The Pre-K version is suitable for children ages 3-4 and the program retails for $59.95.

You can keep up with Hooked On Phonics on Twitter, Facebook, or their blog.

Win It! One of you will win a Hooked On Phonics Learn to Read Program in the grade of your choice.  Simply visit the site.  Then come back and tell me what you learned and what grade level you’d choose.  Comments will close on March 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review and giveaway.

I’m certain you know how important breakfast is…how it’s the most important meal of the day…how it helps children do better in school and sets the precedent for healthy eating habits.  Breakfast is also my favorite meal of the day.  Most days I eat a bowl of cereal or oatmeal due to time constraints.  But on weekends, we have pancakes and eggs and orange juice.

Growing up, my mom made pancakes using Bisquick.  Today we still use Bisquick, albeit the Heart Smart version, for pancakes.  I like my pancakes on the thick and fluffy side, which is just how they turn out with Bisquick.  Plus, when I want a quick breakfast, I can make these with ease.

Have you ever been to a pancake breakfast?  Many non-profit organizations host pancake breakfasts as a fund-raising opportunity in their community.  Bisquick developed Bisquick Pancake Nation as a national effort “to inspire pancake lovers to unite through pancake breakfasts.” The site offers a variety of tools that will help you plan your event including invitations, placemats, signage, and more.  You can also apply for a $250 grant from Bisquick to help cover your supply costs (through May 31), locate a nearby pancake fundraiser, and post photos of your fundraiser.

Win It! One of you will win a Bisquick Pancake Nation prize pack that includes a box of Bisquick mix, a Lodge Cast Iron Griddle, a Cuisipro Deluxe Batter Bowl, and a Cuisipro Pancake Turner to create your own pancake breakfast at home.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of a local organization you’d like to help coordinate a pancake breakfast fundraiser with.  Comments will close on March 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided by MyBlogSpark and Bisquick to facilitate this review and giveaway.

When I was younger and single, I didn’t care much about the amount of money spent on hair, face, and body products.  Most of my purchases were made at upscale department stores and salons.  These days I don’t have the freedom to spend as much on beauty products…and I actually prefer to spend the excess money on my children.

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer (in our area they go by Ralphs) recently launched a new beauty brand called mirra.  mirra “combines quality, natural ingredients with proven scientific technologies” to meet 3 different needs:  Routine personal care (Daily);  a rejuvenating time out (Renew); and a quick transformations for a night out (Inspire).  The line includes shampoos and conditioners; hair styling products; body washes and mists; facial and skin care lotions, cleansers and cleansing cloths; eye firming and age defying creams; and cosmetic brushes.

I’ve always been a label reader.  I’m concerned about parabens and phthalates and artificial anything.   mirra products are made with natural ingredients, like olive oil, aloe leaf juice, cranberry, bamboo, honey and chicory root extracts. I’ve tried numerous products deemed organic or all-natural.  At times, I have found that they simply don’t work as well as salon or department store brands.  mirra products were designed to be natural AND effective.

I had an opportunity to try several of the products including the Deep-Moisture Day Cream, Wrinkle Reduction Eye Cream, Protective Lotion, Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner, Strong Sculpting Gel, and Replenishing Body Wash. One of the first things I noticed about the products was their scent.  For a natural line, they have quite a bit of scent, but it’s not overwhelming.

My favorite product is the Replenishing Body Wash.  It’s luxurious and leaves my skin feeling hydrated.  The Color Care line is gentle but effective.  Some body washes and hair care products don’t foam well.  I know that the product doesn’t have to lather to be effective, but I still like thinking it does. The shampoo and body wash lather well and leave my skin and hair feeling clean.  I actually don’t have my hair colored right now so I can’t speak on it’s effectiveness with regards to color maintenance.  The Color Care line contains sunflower and red tea extracts which provide UVA/UVB protection which is a must for anyone with color-treated hair.  I typically don’t like day face creams because they’re oily and don’t allow me to wear makeup on top of them.  Both the day and eye cream rub in relatively well without being overly greasy.  The Day Cream was designed to smooth away wrinkles and hydrate skin for 24 hours.  I actually don’t have visible wrinkles (yet) but I did find that my face didn’t feel as dry as it has been the last several weeks.  The Eye Cream was designed to reduce wrinkles, hydrate, and firm skin. I tend to have dark circles under my eyes (it’s herediary) and while the Eye Cream didn’t elminate them, I felt they were less noticeable. Both Day and Eye creams should be used twice a day for two weeks to full realize results.

Have you ever visited a spa or department store, only to be shown a beauty regimen that would be impossible to replicate at home?  mirra was designed to help women achieve their beauty goals effortlessly.  I have two children, a husband, a part-time job, and a house to care for.  Anything more than a 10 or 15 minute routine would be impossible for me to achieve.  These products are quick and easy to use, and so far I’ve been happy with the results.

mirra products can be found in the beauty care aisles at all stores that are part of the Kroger Co. family. For a limited time, mirra is offering $5 off when you purchase any two mirra products. To download the coupon visit www.kroger.com\coupons.

Win It! One of you will win a gift pack of mirra products (similar to what I reviewed).  Simply leave me a comment with a product from the site that you’d like to try.  Comments will close on March 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided by The Kroger Company for review and giveaway as a part of the Global Influence Network.

It’s been a little over two months since our beauty was born and it’s time for this mama to shed the baby weight!  I don’t have much time of my own, so the bulk of my exercising must be done with the kids.  Fortunately, I have double jogging stroller to get me in shape.

Apart from a good jogging stroller, a comfy pair of workout clothes and a supportive pair of shoes are really all I need to get me started on my path to wellness.  For the last week, I’ve been wearing a pair of Organic Supima pants from We Pilates.  The company, which was started by a mom, offers comfortable, stylish, and eco-friendly active wear. The company also plants trees for every 50 units of the company’s “burnout” styles sold (this fabric requires some man-made fibers, hence their commitment to planting trees).

The New Long and Lean Pant is made from a blend of Organic Supima Cotton (91%) and Spandex.  They’re form-fitting but  highly flattering, considering I still have a lot of the baby weight still on me.  They also have a tapered leg which makes them suitable for wearing out as well.   I’ve actually been wearing them around the house because they’re super cozy and would definitely wear them out with a longer shirt. Why not pair them with The Reese Model/Supima 3/4 scoop neck tee?

The New Long and Lean Pant is available in four colors and retails for $60.  Right now you’ll save 20% on purchases by using the code “RMAMA10″ (without the quotes).  If you’re looking for stylish, affordable fitness attire that you can wear out and about, check out We Pilates!

Win It! One of you will win a pair of Long and Lean Pants from We Pilates (ARV $60).  Simply head on over to their site.  Then come back and leave me a comment with another fitness piece that you’d like to own.  Comments will close on March 27, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow We Pilates on Twitter and/or on Facebook (max 2 entries total).

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Melissa C.  Congrats.

I don’t get to read very much these days, and when I do, it’s usually a children’s book with my son.  I just received a book I’m very excited about reading called Wrong Number.  The author just released her new suspense novel:

When Aubree Stewart receives a mysterious phone call on her way to work, she doesn’t know what to think. At first she assumes it’s some kind of prank. But the call isn’t a practical joke, and Aubree soon finds herself swept up in a world of danger, intrigue, and murder. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what’s left of her family, but the one thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.

To celebrate the launch of her newly released book and The Original Scrapbox’s brand new piece of organizing furniture (The Office Box), I’m participating in a huge blog party with twenty four other bloggers.   The prize?  The Office Box!  Check it out…

The Office Box was created as an addition to the line of incredible scrapbooking furniture The Original Scrapbox has to offer, such as The Workbox and The EZ View Craft Desk.

Check out the amazing features on The Office Box, available in 4 different colors: Space for a 19″ monitor, magazine holder, Totes that act as slide-out drawers, Velcro storage/organizers, Power cord hole in back of box. This folds out to 72″ by 48″ by 36″ and closes up to the sleek space of only 36″ wide by 48″ high and 21″ deep.

Win It! One of you will win the following prize package from The Original Scrapbox:

One ScrapMaBob (retail $19.95)

One Self-healing cutting mat (retail $7.95)

One Ribbon Box (retail $19.95)

The rules vary a bit from my previous giveaways so be sure to read carefully. Now through March 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST you can enter on my site.  The winner will go on for the grand prize drawing of The Office Box and a copy of Wrong Number.

The Grand Prize Winner will be drawn on March 19, 2010 at RachelleWrites. She will select a winner from the 25 finalists to receive one Office Box (Value $895.00) in their choice of color and an autographed copy of Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen.

Giveaway open from March 5, 2010- March 15, 2010 at 11:59pm Mountain Standard Time.
Open to addresses in the contiguous United States only.
Giveaway Rules:

*You can only enter under one name

* It is possible to win more than one preliminary prize, which means it’s possible to be entered into the grand prize drawing more than once.

*All winner’s addresses must be stateside US addresses

*You must complete the required entry to be eligible to win

Here’s how to enter:Please leave details in your comment of how you entered with required links. I’ll put all entries into a spreadsheet and use Random.org to select the winner.

*Required entry: You must visit The Original Scrapbox website and leave a comment telling me your favorite item

Extra Entries:

• Become a Facebook Fan of The Original Scrapbox

• Tweet the contest with linkback in your comment and use the hashtag #officebox or #scrapbox in your tweet.

• Facebook the contest with linkback in your comment

• Add the contest button(pictured above) to your sidebar with a link to this contest

• Follow RachelleWrites

• Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

• Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

• Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

• Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

To receive 15 extra entries, you must do the following 5 things together on your blog post and please leave a link back to your blog post with your comment (only one comment required, but you must leave a link so I can check your post.)

1. Blog about the contest WITH a picture of The Office Box and Wrong Number in your post.
2. In your blog post link the phrase “The Office Box ” to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=138
3. Link the phrase “The Original Scrapbox” to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/
4. Link the phrase “Wrong Number” to http://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Number-Rachelle-J-Christensen/dp/1599553643/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1
5. Post the Wrong Number book trailer from You Tube on your blog

There are 25 different blogs participating in this giveaway. Each blog is giving away a preliminary prize and a chance to win an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. Stay tuned for reviews on Wrong Number and author interviews as well!

Here’s the list of blogs where you can enter:

The Mommy Files
Cricut Christmas
Little Birdie Secrets
Priscilla Styles
Mommy Mandy
RockinMama
RachelleWrites
Alvor-Dare To Dream
Diony George
Heather Justesen
Queen of the Clan
Scribbled Scraps
Anne Bradshaw
Rachel Rager
Tristi Pinkston
Cami Checketts
Nichole Giles
Wendy Paul
Marilyn Bunderson
Ronda Hinrichson
C.L. Beck: Write Up My Alley
Christine Bryant
Ali Cross
Jenni James
Annette Lyon

*Results of contests are final. Participants will be eliminated if entry rules are not followed correctly.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

My husband and I don’t go out to eat very often, but when we do, we opt for nontraditional restaurants with an ethnic flair.  We are fond of Asian cuisine, particularly the Japanese variety.  And one of my favorite restaurants for Teppan-style Japanese food is Benihana.

Benihana is the leading Japanese-themed restaurant chain in the world.  Benihana is as much about the experience as it is about the food.  The tables have a cooktop in the center and your chef entertains you while cooking your meal in front of you.  My son is usually wowed by the volcano!  What’s great about the restaurant is that the menu includes foods that Americans are familar with including steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetables.

During the month of March, Benihana’s Chef Special is the Hibachi Shrimp and Chicken for Two, a large multi-course meal priced at $35.  The meal includes the following:

Benihana onion soup

Benihana salad

Hibachi shrimp appetizer

Hibachi vegetables

Homemade dipping sauces

Steamed rice

Japanese hot green tea

Häagen-Dazs ice cream, sherbert or sorbet

Considering this special is for two, it’s a great price!  Additionally, they are featuring an assortment of green drinks in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and a variety of sakes.

Win It! Two of you will win a $35 gift card to Benihana to experience the restaurant and their March special.  Simply leave me a two-part comment with your St. Patrick’s Day plans and what you’d order off the menu.  Comments will close on March 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.

Growing up, we’d often frequent our local Coco’s for Saturday breakfast as a family.  It’s been many years since I’ve eaten at a Coco’s, however, I’m thinking of going back…for dinner!

Coco’s recently introduced a new menu that looks incredible!  My husband and I tend to be foodies so we’re not easily impressed by average restaurant chains.  I was quite surprised to see wine and appetizer selections like their Brie Cheese appetizer.  The menu was designed for foodies on a budget and includes organic wine pairings and sangrias as well as a variety of appetizer options.  What’s nice is that nothing is over $10!

We haven’t had an opportunity to try out their new menu yet, but I already know I’d order the Little Italy Appetizer which includes Genoa salami paired with fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and served with fresh-baked Italian bread and Dijon mustard.

Win It! One of you will win a $15 gift card to Coco’s’s.  Just leave me a comment with the name of the menu item (s) you would choose.  Comments will close on March 17, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.