For the very first time, Walmart has announced an innovative new contest called Get On the Shelf.  The nationwide search is on to find the latest “it” product.  In true American Idol fashion, contestants will create videos of their products for online public voting.  There will be a two-round public voting process which will determine the top three product to be sold online at Walmart.com.  One grand prize winner will have their product sold on Walmart.com and featured on the store’s home page as well as shelf space in select Walmart stores across the country.

The contest is open for submissions until February 22nd.  Beginning March 7th, the public will have a chance to vote on their favorite entries. Some of the submissions already received include a cube game, an iPad pillow and paw puffs for dogs (cute!).

Think you have the next must-have product? Enter online at GetOnTheShelf.com.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

Electronics and toys are very popular during this season, and over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing some of our family’s favorites, including the innovative, inspirational toys you can find at Melissa & Doug. Their collection of over 1,000 toys includes puzzles, puppets, plush, play food, music, and more.

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best!  Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North “Poll!” You’ll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

Additionally, Melissa & Doug is hosting a huge Cyber Monday giveaway event on their Facebook page. Beginning at 8 am EST, they’ll be giving away a toy every hour through midnight.  To enter, just visit their Facebook page.

If you plan on shopping at Melissa & Doug, you can use the code NSAVE15 for 15% off any purchase plus FREESHIPZERO for free shipping (no minimum purchase required.)

No compensation was received for this post. A gift certificate was provided.

Yesterday, the brand new Cars 2 Facebook app entitled Mater’s Secret Mission, launched on the Walmart Facebook page.  The app allows you to send coded messages to your Facebook friends and win movie ticket vouchers, coupons for V-Tech, exclusive access to two online games, exclusive access to Disney Mater’s Tall Tales videos and exclusive downloadable coloring books.

Using the app is fun and easy.  Once you’ve authenticated the app, you can choose an “agent” (aka a Facebook friend) to receive a secret message.  Write your message, then click the encode button. Send your message and you’ll find out immediately if you’ve won a prize. Here is a short video explaining the app, featuring Mater (but of course!):

As I mentioned yesterday, Walmart offers a wide variety of Cars 2 items including Crayola Coloring Sets, Pillowtime Play Pals, Die-Cast Character Cars, and more.

Want a personal call (or voicemail) from the loveable tow truck himself?  Simply text one of the following trigger words to 63257:

Buddies, Secret, Spy, Mission, Mater, Charge

Cars 2 debuts in theaters nationwide on June 24th, 2011.

Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

The Sears Blue Tool Crew is currently in the last phases of selecting their “Unsung Heroes.” As part of their Do It Together Campaign, they’ve called for nominations for dads actively involved in community-oriented projects to enter their Father’s Day contest which will award one winner $30,000 to use in their community.

The ‘Do It Together’ campaign, encourages people with big and small projects to get them completed the right way by working together as a team for a common good.  The campaign celebrates commitment, community, and positive change.  As part of the campaign, Sears has created the ‘Do It Together’ Traveling Toolbox which contains an assortment of tools including Craftsman power and hand tools, nails, screws, extension cords, etc., background on ‘Do It Together’ (DIT) and the ‘Traveling Toolbox’ program, and a digital camera that shoots still & video shots to document how they’re helping their community.  Some of the projects that are being completed include assisting in the rebuilding of a house in the community, and building bookcases for local schools.

To be considered a toolbox, tweet @BlueToolCrew using the hashtag #tweet4tools.

For more information, just visit the Blue Tool Crew on Facebook.

No compensation was received for this post.

Both of my children’s first birthdays involved lots of crumbs and frosting (and I’m not talking about on the cake).  It’s interesting how both of them had to be “shown” how to get messy with their birthday cakes. Rest assured that they got the hang of it in no time.  Cake and frosting were etched into every available space…as were the memories of that very special first birthday.

Earlier this year, Tide launched their Spotless Moments Photo Contest.  The finalists have been selected and now it’s time to vote! There are 10 adorable kidlets getting properly messy on their birthdays!  When you vote, you’ll be entered to win a washer & dryer and a year’s supply of Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent!

This post is a sponsored post in conjunction with the BabyCenter Blog Network

To say that cake and frosting were everywhere was an understatement.  We found it in crevices and orifices…it was a mess!  And he enjoyed every single moment of it.

Do you remember your children’s first birthdays? Did you allow them to get messy?  Tide wants you to share your messiest 1st birthday moment.  Through April 11th, you can submit your photo to the Spotless Moments Photo Contest for a chance to win a washer & dryer and a year’s supply of Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent.  Voting begins on April 26th, and everyone who votes will be entered to win the same prize.

This post is a sponsored post in conjunction with the BabyCenter Blog Network

Duet Front Load Washer:  This Energy Star rated washer has a 5.0 cubic foot capacity, can hold up to 36 loads of detergent, a full-color widescreen LCD display and has superior stain fighting technology.

Duet Front Load Dryer:  This 7.4 cubic foot capacity dryer features a SilentSteel drum to minimize the sound of metal buttons and zippers as they dry, steam-enhanced cycles to sanitize, relax wrinkles and reduce odors, and a full-color widescreen LCD display.

Entering to win a Whirlpool Duet Laundry Pair is easy!  Simply follow the instructions below and you’re all set.
1.       Visit the registration form, which will be located on the “Sweepstakes” tab on the Facebook page

2.       Register via the form on the tab

3.       Change profile graphic and/or background graphic on Twitter

4.       Follow @SearsBlueCrewHA and @WhirlpoolCorp

This is the last week to enter so hurry!  For more information, just follow on Facebook or Twitter.

I am a Sears and Whirlpool brand ambassador through a Mom Bloggers Club compensated program.

Since the amount of clothing we go through isn’t going to change anytime soon, I have to be really efficient about the way I approach it. While our washer and dryer are still relatively new, purchased three years ago, they aren’t the most efficient.  Front-load washers and dryers, like those from Whirlpool, use less energy, less water, and less soap while getting your clothes cleaner.

Sears and Whirlpool have teamed up to give away a Whirlpool Duet laundry pair each week for the next two weeks (two pairs total).  And unlike most contests, entering this one is super easy (promise!).
1.       Visit the registration form, which will be located on the “Sweepstakes” tab on the Facebook page

2.       Register via the form on the tab

3.       Change profile graphic and/or background graphic on Twitter

4.       Follow @SearsBlueCrewHA and @WhirlpoolCorp

You can enter this week and next!  For more information, just follow on Facebook or Twitter.

I am a Sears and Whirlpool brand ambassador through a Mom Bloggers Club compensated program.

Snapfish, a company that helps you preserve your memories in unique ways, is hosting a contest where one person will win a 5-day/4-night Disney Parks vacation to either Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California!  The winner will also receive a $200 Snapfish gift certificate to help you share your experience and preserve those memories.  The first 100,000 individuals who enter the sweepstakes will receive a redemption code to receive one free Disney Memory Calendar (excluding shipping, handling, and taxes).  Please note that the calendar must be redeemed by 2/28/11.

Entering is easy! I’ve already entered and received the redemption code for the calendar so hurry and head on over!

What is your favorite Disney Parks memory?  I have so many memories of our family at Disneyland but our favorite time to visit is during the holidays.

Do you have any advice for a newbie like myself who’s never been to Walt Disney World?

No compensation was received for this post. As a Snapfish Select, I receive information and products from time to time.

Starting today, you can enter to win a suite of appliances from KitchenAid (valued at $7,000), Service Live Credits toward remodeling (valued at $1,000), and a phone consultation with kitchen design expert Susan Serra.  Simply submit a photo of your old kitchen appliances between now and November 2nd, 2010 for your chance to win.

This is a compensated post through a Mom Bloggers Club member program