Fashion to Figure *Giveaway*

When I delivered my son, I never dropped down to the size and weight I was before becoming pregnant.  I have clothes in my closet I have not let go of, in hopes of one day fitting into them.  Because I’m in between sizes, I struggle with shopping as a woman and a mom for clothes that are fashionable and flattering.

According to an article in the LA Times last year, the average dress size of women in the US is 14.  Now I haven’t been in many full fashion clothing stores, but I can imagine that it might be difficult to find styles that are hip and complimentary.  Fashion to Figure offers trendy affordable fashions for women in sizes 12-26.  The company actually has stores in New York and New Jersey which offer a complete shopping experience.

Check out some of the items I found:

$12.99

$28.00

$34.00

$38.00

If you can’t make it into one of their stores, check out their site.  Right now they’re having a sale with most of the items around $15-$20.  And, through the 6th, you can buy one item and receive the second for 50% off items (in -store only).  You can also use the code laborday to save 25% off.

Win It! One of you will win your choice of either the Jersey Halter Ruffle Maxi Dress or the One Shoulder Black Dress.  Simply leave me a comment with another item you like from the site (not mentioned above).  Comments will close on September 16, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  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.

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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!

No compensation was received for this post.  The giveaway item was supplied by Fashion to Figure.

Fashionably Functional Essentials From Jockey *Giveaway*

I find it interesting that I spend quite a bit of time researching and shopping for outerwear and nearly no time whatsoever on what I wear underneath.

Jockey, a company specializing in underwear, activewear, shapewear, is committed to “quality, comfort, fashion and innovation.”  Spring and Fall are the two seasons I go through all of our closets and get rid of items that are worn or don’t fit.  If you’re like me, and haven’t replaced undergarments in a long time, fall is the perfect season to do so.

Jockey offers a variety of comfortable, wearable fashions for men, women and children. One of my favorite collections is their Luxe line, which features invisible seams and ultra-light fabric.  Not only are the fabrics super soft and cozy, I can wear them with more snug fitting skirts and dresses.  Jockey’s Luxe line includes panties, camis, and shapewear.

Speaking of shapewear, I was surprised at how affordable Jockey’s collection is.  And their “No Panty Line Promise” means that no one else has to know what you’re wearing underneath.

If you’re looking for breathable fabrics, check out Jockey’s Naturals collection which features ultra-light styles, body-contouring and a seamless silhouette.  The company uses a Rayon/Nylon/Cotton/Spandex blend to achieve a well-fitting undergarment that stays dry.

When I get home, the first thing I want to do is change into comfy clothes.  And if it’s summer, I want something cool and breathable.  Jockey offers an array of loungewear which offer comfortable, breathable fabrics that are stylish enough to wear both inside the house and out.  Many of their garments feature moisture wicking fabric which make working out in them a breeze.

Be sure to check out their kid’s line of basics which include underwear, T-shirts, camisoles and more.  Their summer sale is going on now with savings of up to 70%.

Win It! One of you will win an online shopping spree at Jockey (valued at $75, shipping included).  Simply leave me a comment with an item you like from the site (something that was not mentioned in my post).  Comments will close on September 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  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 Jockey on Twitter and/or Facebook (2 entries total)

Subscribe to Jockey’s newsletter

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Visit Amanda and leave some comment love on her post.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Product samples were provided which helped to facilitate this review.

How To Pack a Waste-Free Lunch *Giveaway*

A couple of weeks ago, I received a phone call from a little production called The Today Show!  They wanted to interview me for an online segment detailing my top three tips for health, fitness and being green.  What ensued was a conversation that unfolded about going green this school year.  I can’t honestly tell you what I said…I was nervous and humbled and in a bit of shock about the whole thing.  But what I hope came across was the fact that Americans, in general, need to create less waste and conserve more.

If you think about the typical lunch and what it entails…you realize that one lunch creates a lot of waste.  Paper napkins, plastic silverware, cardboard juice boxes, disposable sandwich bags…

Citizenpip is a company that believes in the power of small changes.  Created by a mom, the company offers muck-free reusable lunch gear in designs that are attractive to kids and easy for parents to use.

People today are much more informed about green issues and open to ideas on how to reduce their carbon footprint.  Switching from disposable to reusable is a simple change with great long-term impact.

Citizenpip offers a complete line of reusable lunch gear and kits that are free from lead, BPA, and phthalates.  Their lunch bags (which come in four designs) are lightweight, insulated, waterproof, and made from recycled materials.  I only wish they had a few more designs.  I adore the lightweight, stainless steel water bottles because despite the fact that they’re not insulated, per se, they manage to keep drinks colder longer.  The containers are surprisingly made from polypropylne, leakproof, and freezer-safe.

Citizenpip offers a starter kit (RV $42) which includes the following:

• 1 insulated lunch bag
• 1 stainless steel water bottle
• 4 airtight airtight food containers

The kit is actually made well but I would have liked for it to include one flatware set.

Right now, you’ll save 10% with the code “rockinmama10″

Win It! One of you will win a starter kit in the design of your choice.  Simply leave me a comment with one fact you learned on the site.  Comments will close on September 8, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  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 Citizen Pip on Twitter and/or Facebook

Visit Amanda and leave some comment love on her post.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Products  for review and giveaway were supplied by Citizenpip.

Guilt-Free Chocolate Indulgence *Giveaway*

I’m a chocoholic.  It’s rare that I can go a day without eating chocolate in some form (which is why I keep a stash of chocolate chips in the fridge at all times).  If you can believe it, there is a healthy, guilt-free way to indulge in chocolate (and caramel) with Oikos‘ new Pure Pleasure Organic  Greek Yogurts.

I prefer the smooth, creamy texture of Greek yogurt and have actually had the real thing on a Grecian island years ago.  Oikos‘ creamy texture is attained via an old-world straining method that removes the whey from the yogurt.  What stumps me is how the company can achieve such richness without any fat.

I enjoy yogurt because it’s tasty, filling, and packed with live, active cultures.  Up until recently, I had never tried chocolate yogurt (in fact, I didn’t even know it existed).  I was expecting it to be more like dessert.  And while it could definitely be eaten for dessert, I was quite content eating it for breakfast and snacks.

I always look at the sugar content of flavored yogurts, because, very often, they’re higher than I would prefer.  I was surprised to learn that their Pure Pleasure Organic Greek Yogurts contain 110 calories and 16 grams of sugar (about 5 grams less than conventional flavored yogurts).

I prefer the Chocolate over the Caramel, but I prefer chocolate over other flavors whenever given the option.  You can find Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt at supermarkets and natural food stores nationwide.

Win It! One of you will win a chocolate-themed indulgence giveaway package which includes the following:

-    1 coupon for a free Green & Black Organic Chocolate Bar

-    1 sample of Numi Organic Chocolate tea

-    1 Dagoba/Eco Lips Organic Chocolate chapstick

-    1 Skinnyskinny real cocoa organic soap bar

-    2 free coupons for Chocolate and Caramel Oikos multipacks

-    Recipe card set featuring Chocolate Cheesecake, as well Oikos spatula

Simply leave me a comment with something you learned from their YoTube site here.  Comments will close on September 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.

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 Stonyfield on Twitter

Like Stonyfield on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Items for review and giveaway were supplied by the company.

Locks Much Smarter Than I Am *Giveaway*

My husband grew up in a small town in the Southeast where everyone knew each other and nobody locked their doors.  On the contrary, I grew up in a city where you wouldn’t even think about not locking your doors and a large majority of the residents had home security systems.  My friend Jen recently referenced a post that I hope you’ll a. read and b. learn something from.

When we moved into our home a year and a half ago, we installed electronic, keyless deadbolts as an added measure of security.  Not only are they great for busy moms on the run who tend to forget things like keys, they add an additional layer of security.

Kwikset recently launched SmartCode, a line of keyless entry electronic touch pad deadbolt locks.  SmartCode allows you the option of creating multiple unique access codes for guests, housekeepers, nannies, and more.  You simply enter the code to unlock the door (but you can lock the door with the simple push of a button).  You can change the code at anytime to protect your family if you feel like your security has been compromised.  I like the fact that we don’t have to create duplicate keys to leave on the porch or get lost.  The lock can quickly and easily be re keyed without removing it from the door.

Installation is easier than it might appear.  The deadbolt fits most standard doors and doesn’t require hard wiring or new screw holes.  The lock is powered by four AA batteries which should last about a year.  A key is included should you ever need one, but in all the years we’ve had our electronic deadbolts, we haven’t had to use it.

SmartCode is available in an Arlington handleset, Juno knob or Tustin lever with your choice of three finishes:  Lifetime Brass, Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze.  The locks are available at Home Depot, Lowes, and retailers nationwide and prices start at $100.

Right now, the company is hosting a “LiveSmart” tour which is a four month cross-country road tour of home improvement retailers.  Kwikset has a mobile showroom and tent set up at each stop to show homeowners how easy it is to have smart home security.  Visit one of their mobile locations for games, giveaways, and more.  And if you can’t make it to one of their stops, head on over to their micro site for a chance to win a smart home office package, a smart entertainment package or the grand prize of a smart car.  Here is a list of their California stops:

SAN DIEGO, CA

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

LOS ANGELES, CA

FONTANA, CA

Subway’s Baseball DeSIGNS Tour *Giveaway*

Subway recently partnered with Little League Baseball and Softball for its second annual Baseball DeSIGNS Tour which features over 30 baseballs designed by Little Leaguers and autographed by celebrities.  Fans can bid and win baseballs signed by legends like Philadelphia Phillies’ Ryan Howard and Biggest Loser’s Shay Sorrells by visiting their auction on eBay through August 29th.  Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Little League Urban Initiative. If you’re interested in previewing the designs, visit their Facebook page.

In conjunction with the Baseball DeSIGNS Tour, Subway is currently offering Little League themed reusable lunch bags with their Subway Fresh Fit for Kids meals.  Their kids’ meals are one of the few I’ll actually purchase for my son because they include healthy sides like apple slices and the option of getting milk instead of juice.

Win It! One of you will win a Subway prize pack which includes a $10 Subway card, a Little League reusable meal bag, and a baseball that kids can design on their own. To enter, simply leave me a comment with the name of your favorite ball!  Comments will close on September 5, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  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.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Items for review and giveaway were supplied by Subway.

Christmas In August *Giveaway*

I had my list of must sees and dos in New York.  I also factored in that we would only do about half of what we aspired to because of the kids.  So what’s a girl to do when she gets invited to tour Radio City Music Hall and see the Rockettes live on 6th Avenue?  She changes her plans!

I never thought I’d make it to Radio City Music Hall this trip.  With so much to see and do and two little ones who need rest breaks, it seemed impossible.  But I have always wanted to see the Rockettes…and not just from a television broadcasting from Rockefeller Plaza.  So we headed over to Radio City Music Hall and began with a tour or the venue which is the home of the Rockettes.

I learned a few things along the way…like the fact that Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theatre in the world…and that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular began in 1933.

If you’re not familiar with the show, here is a brief description:

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular includes the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, a cast and crew of hundreds, an awe-inspiring Living Nativity with live animals, and magnificent special effects including a surprising indoor snowfall, fireworks, and Santa flying high above the audience. From dazzling kick lines and sparkling fireworks to Santa flying and a special 3-D surprise, the Christmas Spectacular is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your family.

As part of the show’s kick-off, Radio City will donate thousands of tickets to the Garden of Dreams Foundation at 1 million kicks.  All across the country Americans are “kicking” up their heels online (you can tweet using the hashtag #kick4christmas) or in person.  The Garden of Dreams Foundation provides children from local charities the opportunity to see the Christmas Spectacular.

Tickets for the Christmas Spectacular are on sale now with performances beginning November 5.

Check out some footage from the event.  Do you recognize a familiar face?

Win It! Since we don’t live in New York City, I have two VIP tickets to tour Radio City and two VIP tickets to tour Madison Square Garden (I’ll pick two winners).  Simply leave me a comment about the show. Have you seen it?  Do you want to? Why?  If you have a preference, just leave that info in the comments as well.  Comments will close on September 2, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

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!

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to attend the event, courtesy of the company.

Summer of Toys: Avalanche Fruit Stand Game *Giveaway*

I tried to teach my child with books,
He gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words,
They passed him by, often unheard.
Despairingly I turned aside,
How shall I teach this child, I cried.
Into my hands he put the key,
“Come,” he said “Play with me!”

Anonymous

Thankfully, my son enjoys reading…a lot!  He also likes to play…a lot!  I strive to offer my children a balance between play and learning.  And now that my son is in preschool 3 full days, I try to make sure the days we have off are more play and less structured learning.

Learning Resources, a leading manufacturer of innovative learning toys and hands-on educational materials, provides the tools children need to explore gross and fine motor skills, creativity, imaginative play, critical thinking, and more.

Avalanche Fruit Stand is a “game” that helps preschoolers learn the names of fruits and colors. Children simply spin the wheel and use the plastic tweezers provided to carefully pick a matching fruit from the Fruit Stand.  The first player to collect one of each fruit without causing an “avalanche” wins.

Beyond a knowledge of fruits and colors, children require a bit of dexterity to be successful.  While it’s geared towards children 3 and over and simple enough for children that age to understand, my son isn’t quite ready for the entire game.  So we play variations of it as I emphasize colors, fruit names, and even counting.

I like the fact that the fruits are true to color and shape.  They’re real enough that my son has even tried to put one or two in his mouth.

Avalanche Fruit Stand is available on the site for $18.99.

Win It! One of you will win a copy of Avalanche Fruit Stand.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of another game you like from the site.  Comments will close on September 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. 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.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Who’s Your Nanny? *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Sabrina. Congratulations!

Over the past two weeks, my husband and I have witnessed some pretty impressive 3 year old tantrums.  And without preschool as a buffer, my husband and I were wracking our brains in search of creative discipline.  We finally resorted to bribery with organic lollipops and all-natural Popsicles (I’m only half-joking).  It’s in moments like these where I wish I had a Nanny McPhee of my own to transform my children into little angels.

On August 20th, the family comedy Nanny McPhee Returns opens in theaters nationwide. I didn’t see the first one, but here is a brief synopsis from the site:

Oscar—winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she’s needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world. In the latest installment, Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother, Mrs. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she’s arrived, Nanny McPhee discovers that Mrs. Green’s children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in and refuse to leave. Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree—climbing piglet and a baby elephant who turns up in the oddest places, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.

Win It! I have four family four-packs to give away along with some other movie-themed items (shirts, notebooks, etc.).  If you’d like your chance at attending a special pre-release screening this Thursday in Irvine, just leave a comment below before Wednesday, August 18th at 11:59 PM PST.  Tickets will be available for pick-up from me at the venue. Here is the screening info:

Screening starts at 7pm

1. No Purchase Necessary

2. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis

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.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Screening passes and giveaway items were supplied by the company.

Back to School With Box Tops for Education *Giveaway*

Very soon, children will don backpacks and board school buses for that first day back to school.  While my son is still just in preschool, it’s important for my husband and I to be involved with and support his learning environment.

With budget cuts and an uncertain economy, schools are in need of funds and supplies.  Box Tops for Education is an easy way for parents to support their local schools.  When you clip Box Tops from the products you already buy, you’re helping to support and raise funds for your child’s school.  Each Box Top is worth 10 cents for your school and can be turned in directly to your school.  Your child’s school can earn up to $20,000 from each of the four Box Tops for Education program components including Clip, Shop, Reading Room, and My Class Essentials.

Now through August 31, 2010, you’ll find 4 Box Tops on participating General Mills products at your local Walmart.  4 Box Tops include 3 Bonus Box Tops in the form of a bonus certificate and the conventional box tops.  4 Box Tops can be found on over 40 products from 20 brands that are participating to help earn more cash for local schools.  For a complete list of participating brands and products, visit the Walmart website.

Win It! One of you will win a $25 gift card to Walmart.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of a 4 Box Tops product you’d like to buy to help support your local school.  Comments will close on September 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.   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.

Visit Amanda and leave some comment love on her post.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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!

No compensation was received for this post.  Gift cards for review and giveaway were supplied by General Mills via MyBlogSpark.

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