Rockin Mama » Contests

Quick, Healthy Lunch Box Snacks Your Kids Will Love #CASealAppeal

caryn — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:28:42 +0000

Photo Credit: a2td

My little grazers would snack all day long if I allowed it, which is why I strive to keep fresh fruit, veggies, and whole grains on hand. My goal is to offer my children nutrient dense foods that are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. One of the easiest ways to get in calcium, Vitamin D, and protein is to incorporate lowfat dairy into a child’s diet. Beyond the traditional glass of milk, there are a variety of healthy, delicious, lowfat/low sugar ideas for incorporating dairy into your child’s lunchbox as a snack.

Here are my favorite healthy snack picks that can conveniently be placed in your child’s lunchbox:

1. Fruit, granola, and yogurt

2. Low-fat string cheese and crackers

3. Low-fat cottage cheese with fruit

4. DIY yogurt dip with fuits/veggies

5. Low-fat cream cheese with mini bagels

Photo Credit: blary54

My littles are still in preschool, but next year we’ll be entering the public school system here in the OC. We chose this area to live in specifically for the schools because we knew that we likely wouldn’t be placing our children in private school. With budgets tight and school funding limited, I am thankful for programs and initiatives that believe in the importance of education.

Real California Milk just launched a program which will support California schools with up to $2 million dollars in cash, books, and prizes. Getting involved in the Real Seal Appeal program is easy. From October 1st through December 31st, save the seals found on the dairy items you enjoy and turn them into your child’s teacher. Each seal is one entry into the sweepstakes and the prizes are significant. The California Milk Advisory Board has partnered with Scholastic to award 3 schools with $20,000 plus a Wii Fit game for every child in the class (Grand Prize). There are also 2nd and 3rd place cash and Wii Fit game prizes which will also be awarded to 3 schools each. Lastly, 2,595 schools will receive $500 as runner-ups.

It’s easy to collect the seals present on Real California Milk products and you might even work together with your child to create a box to store them in.

For more information about the Real Seal Appeal program, just visit Scholastic and Real California Milk.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Real California Milk. All opinions remain my own.

Could Your Child’s Classroom Use a Makeover?

caryn — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:08:42 +0000

My oldest started pre-k last week and we’re fortunate that he has been able to attend a private school. But next year, he’ll likely go to a public school as we’re currently evaluating all of our options. With the economy in turmoil, many public schools are finding that they’re lacking even the basics when it comes to supplies. I’ve heard many parents talk about the long lists of school supplies and the cutting of vital programs.

Macy’s recognizes the need in our school systems and is currently hosting a Classroom Makeover Sweepstakes where one school will win a $25,000 upgrade. To nominate your school, visit Facebook.com/macys. Entries will be accepted through September 15th.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. I received a gift card as part of my participation in the program courtesy of Macy’s and SheSpeaks.

How I Inspire My Children To Learn

caryn — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:20:08 +0000

So much of what I remember from my childhood was associated with experiences. My mom used our weekend day trips to the beach to teach me about sea life and our vacations to expose me to art and history. Because I’m a hands-on learner, I’ve strived to provide my children with the same type of experiential learning. My son, who just turned four, is an active, inquisitive little boy and I’m constantly looking for opportunities to educate him. So how do I inspire him to learn?

1. I seek out learning opportunities during our everyday activities. Whether it’s teaching my son about counting while we’re cleaning up toys or about being kind to the environment by picking up our trash during trips to the park, the most important way to inspire learning is to be consistent about seeking out these moments in the everyday.

2. I make learning fun. There is definitely a need for formal, organized learning. But my son is still at an age where play and experiences are vital components of learning. We sing songs, play games, and go on outings and most of the time, my son doesn’t even realize we’re actually learning something!

3. I get hands on. Despite the fact that many of our hands-on learning sessions are quite messy, my son has learned some basic principles of math and food during our cooking/baking sessions and my daugther is learning about textures as she runs sand through her hands.

4. I make use of age-appropriate resources. There is value in resources like Hooked on Phonics and Lakeshore Learning, provided that there is balance with real-life experiences.

5. I encourage exploration, creativity, and imagination. It’s really difficult for me to not want to “help” my son with projects (particularly if they’re messy), but being hands-off is vital for learning and growing. It’s also important for my son’s confidence within himself if I praise his efforts and allow him to explore and create.

Intel is currently hosting a contest between the ages of 14-18 and asking the question, “What Inspires You to Learn?” To enter, students can email their name, age, state, telephone number and answer to the question, “What inspires you to learn” to studentinspiration@intel .com. Entries should be a minimum of 50 words and a parent should submit an entry on their students behalf if they are between the ages of 14 and 17. Entries can include links to original photos, videos, or other multimedia content that may add to their entry but the content must be appropriate and something they could submit to their teacher at school. Any content that includes another person must include written permission for use and students many not use copyrighted material in their entry without written permission.

The contest will remain open until August 15th and the winner will be announced September 15th. One winner will receive a laptop with Intel 2nd Generation Core i5 technology for themselves, plus a Sony Internet TV for their school. Entries will be judged by a panel of Intel and education experts according to the following criteria:

1. Relevance to the question, “What inspires you to learn?” (80%),

2. Compelling nature of entry, including supplementary materials submitted (20%).

For a list of complete rules, just visit this website.

How do you inpsire your children to learn?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Intel and Mom Bloggers Club.

Back To The Table With Libby’s

caryn — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:00:08 +0000

My husband and I have strived to set the precedent that the four of us will eat dinner together as a family every night. Mornings are rushed, and while we never skip breakfast, very often I’m taking bites here and there as I ready the kids for the day. We’re separated for lunches, which leaves dinner as the only meal the four of us are together for.

Families that eat together, stay together. There are several documented reasons for families to share a meal. Children benefit from the communication that takes place around the dinner table and show enhanced educational performance, decreased risk of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, higher self-esteem, better peer relationships, healthier eating habits, and decreased incidence of eating disorders.

Photo Credit: Lynda Churilla

This Spring, Libby’s has partnered with singer/songwriter Jewel to encourage families to get back to the table. Today, they’ve launched a campaign and contest on their Facebook page where fans can remake Libby’s famed jingle for a chance to win one of three cash prizes ($10,000, $2500, $1000). To enter, simply click on the Jingle Contest tab and upload your video remake of the song. You can submit an entry through May 13th when Jewel will select five finalists.

While we’re a little young to remember the famed song, we listened and then recorded our own remake of the song. Jewel will also be releasing her version of the jingle this September which I venture to guess will be widely popular. For more information about the contest, just visit their Facebook page.

Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with Libby’s and Blissfully Domestic.

The Baby Bunch Debuts Birdhouse Pajamas

caryn — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:41:07 +0000

While I find it beneficial to shop for my pregnant friends from a registry, sometimes I like to gift something unique yet functional. One of my top recommendations for creative baby gifts are from a company called The Baby Bunch. I’ve had the privilege of featuring the company several times and I’m always impressed with their latest in beautiful, usable gifts.

The Baby Bunch recently debuted their adorable Birdhouse Pajamas for boys and girls. Packed in an adorable birdhouse box, the gift includes a 100% cotton pajama top with matching striped pajama bottoms and a plush bird toy. Select from either blue or pink and include a personal message for free. What’s unique about this gift set is that it’s offered in a wider size range, up to 3T.

The Baby Bunch is currently hosting a Facebook contest and five winners will receive a Birdhouse Pajamas gift set. To enter, simply visit the contest tab on their Facebook page and tell them what your favorite childhood toy is/was. The deadline to enter is March 30th at 10 am PST.

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

Pro-Football Hall of Fame Anyone?

caryn — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:58:22 +0000

Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day are coming up very quickly this month and I know that many of us have chocolate on the brain! While Reese’s and York Peppermint Patties will remain my all-time favorite chocolate candies, I do enjoy the diversity offered in Hershey’s Miniatures packages (Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, Krackle, Mr. Goodbar). And with the big game coming up this weekend, it’s all about offering people choices…right? S

Speaking of football, the Hershey company teamed up with Emmitt Smith to offer one of you the chance to win a trip for four to the 2011 Pro-Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Weekend (August 5th-8th). You can enter the Pro-Football Hall of Fame Sweepstakes through February 28th. The winner and three guests will be hosted by Emmitt Smith and have their likeness displayed in the form of chocolate. Activities include the Enshrinees Dinner, the Timken Grand Parade, Class of 2011 Enshrinement Ceremony and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. There will also be twenty first prize winners who will receive a Hall of Fame Collector’s Edition football signed by Emmitt Smith and 100 second prize winners who will receive a $100 Pro Football Hall of Fame gift card.

For more information about the contest, just visit the Hershey website.

No compensation was received for this post.

Wilton’s Pops In A Post Contest

caryn — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:02 +0000

For the last two months, I’ve been keeping a little secret about one of Wilton’s latest products! Now, you can make your own sweets on a stick with Wilton’s new line of products designed to help you make cake and cookie pops.

Pops make the perfect treat or favor for birthdays, weddings, and more. While I typically think of cake pops, you can actually create cookie, crisp treats, and brownie pops. Wilton’s new book, Pops – Sweets on a Stick, contains over 250 incredible, decorated pop ideas. You can also visit their website for pop-making tips, decorating and display ideas, and more.

Very soon, I’ll be making my own cake pops! But for now, here is a quick pictorial overview of how to make cake pops:

She’s taken a baked cake and combined it with frosting…YUM!

Molding…

Chocolate Candy Coated

Finishing touches…

Now they definitely get more complex than what I’ve shown you above.

Do you think you have what it takes to create a unique, creative pop? Wilton is hosting it’s first ever Pops in a Post Contest for bloggers. Here are the details:

To enter the contest, create your own Pops treat and post an article on their blog about the treat, experience decorating, product used, process, hints, etc. Entries are submitted on the site.

Wilton will select 10 finalists from all entries submitted.

The finalists will be posted on Wilton.com and the winner will be selected via a vote on Wilton.com.

The first 40 bloggers that ‘pre-register’ on Wilton.com will receive a Pops kit containing Wilton Pops product (which can be used in the blog post). Pre-registration only involves providing name, address, blog name, blog URL and twitter ID. The Pops kit contains product that is not available anywhere at retail yet and is worth over $125 (items are listed below). You can pre-register here.

Winner will receive a $500 Visa card and the 9 other finalists receive a $100 gift card.

Complete rules can be found here.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Contest Timeline

December 15: Pre-Registration begins on Wilton.com (updated: 10:00 AM) and entries can be submitted.

January 10: Final day for entries to be submitted.

January 13: Finalists announced on Wilton.com and voting begins.

January 19: Voting ends at Midnight.

January 20: Winner announced via Wilton.com blog.

So you’re probably wondering where my Pops are? Stay tuned!!

This is a compensated post.

Your Chance at a New Bosch Kitchen

caryn — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:10:19 +0000

Bosch wants to know, Watts Your Green Tip? At the beginning of October, the company launched a new Facebook contest and one person with the best green tip will win a green suite of Bosch kitchen appliances valued at $6,000 which will include the following:
Integra dishwasher (SHX45P05UC)

Evolution gas range (HGS7282UC)

Over the range microwave (HMV5051U)

French door refrigerator (B26FT70SNS)

Here is what you need to do!

From October 6 through November 19, 2010, create a video 1:00 minute in length or less showcasing your family’s top tip for green living. Whether it’s about saving water, saving energy, or recycling, you’ll help spread the word about how to make the world a greener place.

Once you’ve entered, share your green tip video with friends and family to garner votes for a greater chance to win. Maybe you’ll even inspire them to change little habits for a greener home; such as purchasing Energy Star products, turning off a light when leaving a room or waiting to have a full load of dirty dishes before running the dishwasher.

The contest ends November 12th, so start thinking about your best green tip! If you enter, I’d love to check out your video!

No compensation was received for this post.

Light Summer Snacks Featuring Melba Toast

caryn — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:24:07 +0000

Have you ever had an opportunity to try Melba Toast? I know it’s hard to believe, but up until a week or so ago, I had never tried this crunchy little snack (and they’ve been around for 80 years!). They’re great for snacking but I actually like the idea of using them as substitutes for higher calorie breads in recipes. They’re available in eight flavors, four of which contain whole grains. Here is a tuna recipe I found on their site that was actually really good (it’s dairy and egg free so my son is able to eat this):

Tuna Classic

Serves 4

4 – 3oz packets of White Albacore Tuna, fully cooked
2 Squirts Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Tablespoon finely diced Bermuda Onion (Red Onion)
1-2 stalks celery, finely diced (optional)
1/2 Tablespoon Garlic powder
2 medium dill pickles, chopped

Combine the above ingredients and spoon onto Melba Rye Toasts
Garnish with celery leaves

For extra flare, add your favorite hot pepper sauce or a pinch of turmeric powder

You can also snack on Melba Toast with hummus or make mini bruschetta with them by adding tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil (season with salt and pepper if you’d like). The most interesting recipe I saw included dipping them in chocolate! Be sure to check out their site for more summer-inspired recipes.

Now through June 30, 2010, you can enter their “Dance Your Way to Hollywood” contest. One winner and a guest will receive an all-expense paid trip to California which includes private lessons at 3rd Street Dance Studio and tickets to watch the television show taping (four-day, three night trip which includes air and hotel). To enter, just visit Toast for Everyday Health.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Old London Melba Toast and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Sweeps Around the Web

caryn — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:10:56 +0000

Ceiva is giving away several prizes, just in time for Mother’s Day including:

Grand Prize Package

1-Year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service

First Prize Package
CEIVA Pro 80 Family Pack

3 CEIVA Pro 80 Digital Photo Frames3 1-Year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service

Second Prize Package
CEIVA Pro 80 Twin Pack

2 CEIVA Pro 80 Digital Photo Frames2 1-Year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service

Third Prize Package
CEIVA Pro 80 Starter Pack

CEIVA Pro 80 Digital Photo Frame1-Year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service

Deadline to enter is May 3, 2010.

Sono is giving away a House Full of Music (retails for $2,000). Simply tweet with #Sonos about ‘why your #momrocks’ starting on Monday, May 3^rd for a chance to win. Contest ends May 6^th

Tropicana is giving away $1000…to 24 winners! One for every hour of the day! Head on over before 11:59 PM CST tonight to enter to win. (You must use 3 points to enter).

FYI…I’ll be updating this post throughout the day so check back for more!

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.