Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Blogger Opp ~ Samsung Chromebook Giveaway (FREE & Paid)


Organized by One Punky Mama
Prize:  Samsung Chromebook
Event dates: 8/26 - 09/16
Free & Paid Options Available


Monday, August 12, 2013

First Day Of School

 
It's that start of another year and my girls' individual style is shining through...
 
Rose: Rainbow striped zebra shirt, rainbow butterfly capris, rainbow gummy bear bracelet, mood changing necklace and rainbow zebra striped boat shoes on her feet. 
 
Grace: Blue/green ombre tunic w/VERY glittery large flower, matching leggings, Hello Kitty flip glasses (for fun) and her "disco" boots.
 
I love my girls and their uniqueness.
 
This morning started off with a phone call from one of my Grace's friends...15 minutes before my alarm was set to start hounding me.  I hate waking up from something else before my alarm goes off. It just completely throws me off. Bit this extremely tired, red-eyed Momma moved on and tried to get dressed as swiftly as I could before rousing my kiddles.
 
Just like me, they hate being woke up in the morning. My "Good Morning" song was greeted with a big smile from one (shocking) and the comforter being pulled over the other's head (not surprising).  After about 15 minutes giving the best pep talk I could come up with (on 5 hours sleep) to simply get them out of bed, the pep talk for getting them dressed began. I think it helped that there was the smell of bacon cooking in the air...it's a great motivational tool. The aid of a mule team might have been needed otherwise.
 
I had one girl excited about seeing friends and one begging (with a monsoon of tears) for me to not make her go. This was not the best start out of the gates for poor little Rose. Having all of her friends in different classes was posing a huge dilemma for her...although she did have one of her best buddies, Joe-Joe (as she calls him), to get her through the morning. I'm praying that they are seated next to each other...otherwise there will be a negative right at the beginning of class for her.
 
Well on a good note, breakfast went smoothly without a spill or confusion of clothes for a napkin. THAT'S HUGE!  I had fought the urge to go buy one of the ridiculously huge raised donuts from Doughboys Donuts and went with a breakfast drink & bacon for one and eggs & bacon for the other. My Charming even got his tummy blessed with a breakfast burrito...he was a happy man.
 
Lunches are always tricky, but somehow I was able to make both girls happy without too much information prying and collaboration needed. With Rose completely anti sandwiches (she just hates bread) and not willing to go a pasta salad route, it's always a challenge. Final solution - several containers: peanut butter, fresh strawberries, a mozzarella cheese stick and organic gummies. 
 
Both of my girls were so nervous about their new classes because they each only had 3 out of 24 classmates that they knew. This was a huge change from the last year when teachers were able to help keep more of the kids together. We were so thrilled with the two teachers that the girls got though. All summer we had been praying for God to give us favor in their placement...there is a horrible teacher (with tenor of course) who has treated classroom after classroom of students with such insensitivity and hateful words. Thank God that our Grace did not get placed with her! I would have been in battle mode for sure to keep her from ever stepping foot in that classroom.
 
Why is it that a teacher with tenor can keep their job when any one of us would lose ours for being inappropriate and down right hateful & demeaning?
 
 
Anyway, we all made our way to the lines that awaited us.  By this time both girls had gotten excited to see friends again and were assured that Daddy & Mommy had their backs should anything need to be dealt with. (I had already battled the school for half the year last year because of rotten treatment from a half year substitute for my Rose. I know what I'm doing and don't back down when it comes to my girls or the treatment of any other student in their class for that matter.)  Daddy stayed with Rose until her class was ready to go in while I tried to catch up with Grace and pull her from the wrong line into the right classroom. 
 
I'm believing that it's going to be a great year. One where true friendships are created that will carry on into middle & highschool.
 
Now I sit here with green tea in hand and sincerely hope you all have a wonderful start to the school year too!
 

Suddenly Salad Prize Pack #Giveaway ~ Ends 8/24


The Chatty Mom has teamed up with Asha Butterflys 
 
To host a Suddenly Salad
 

Giveaway!
 


Fashion Wig #Giveaway ~ WW ~ Ends 9/09



Ever feel like changing your look just for a night? Feel like you need to step out of yourself and be someone else just for a day? Have you ever feel the need to cut your hair short but quite not sure if it fits you? Then this giveaway is perfect for you as we have teamed up with Giveaway Monkey, Zebra Print Mom, and Keauty Store to give away one Short-Style Fashion Wig to one lucky reader!

This Short-Style Fashion Wig is brought to us by Keauty Store (Korean Beauty Store) - an online store based in Canada that sells Korean items and products for both men and women. Make sure to visit their online store to find variety of Korean products, from cosmetics to contact lenses to fashion wigs and a whole lot more.

Get a chance to experience Keauty Store's item and service for free by winning this Short-Style Fashion Wig (worth $34.30). This Fashion Wig will be shipped to you anywhere in the world for free by and from the Keauty Store.
 
Just use the Rafflecopter form below to earn your entries and win!
This giveaway will run until September 9, 2013 and is open worldwide to ages 18 and above!
Good luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I did not accept compensation for this event, nor are we responsible for the delivery of the prize. The prize will be shipped by the sponsor, Keauty Store straight to the winner. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook Twitter, Google, and/or Pinterest. Read full terms and condition in the Rafflecopter form above.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Easy Canvas Prints 8x10 Giveaway ~ Ends 8/25


Easy Canvas Prints 8x10 Giveaway

Welcome to the Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway!


Hosted by: Perfectly Beachy

Sponsored by: Easy Canvas Prints


Picture


A picture is worth a 1000 words.  Here is your chance to win a 8x10 Canvas from Easy Canvas Prints. Read my full review here.

The question is .... What will you choose to showcase? A family photo, a landscape pictures or a picture of your pet?


Details:

  • Giveaway runs from August 11th (12 am) to August 25th, 2013 (12 am)

  • Winner will receive a free 8x10 Canvas coupon code via email

  • Open to US residents only



A huge thank you to the bloggers who joined this giveaway!





Disclaimer: Perfectly Beachy will email the winner within 48 hours of the giveaway ending. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. Open to US Only. Must be 18 years of age or older. The author and host of the giveaway retains the right to cancel the giveaway in the event that the contest is compromised in any way. No cheating, people. The email address you provide maybe used for promotional/marketing communication. In the event the recipient does not claim the prize in 48 hours, another winner will be announced. Void where prohibited. The Chatty Mom is not responsible for Prize delivery.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Baby Bullet Food Making System Giveaway ~ Ends 8/21


Welcome to the Baby Bullet Food Making System Giveaway!

Hosted by:  Savory Savings


LoveMy2Dogs and GottaGetMyBodyBack


Sponsored by: Baby Bullet


baby_bullet_set


Have you thought about making your own baby food, but decided not because you thought it would be too hard or take too much time?  Have you heard of the Baby Bullet?  It is a food puree system by the makers of Magic Bullet – but with special blades and cups just for baby food!  This easy to use machine is convenient, fun and fast!  Krista over at Savory Savings had a chance to review the Baby Bullet and has shared her thoughts on why she wishes she had this when her little ladies were babies and how she is using it now when they are toddlers!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Attention Bloggers ~ SmartSilk Pillows Giveaway Opp (8/15)

Savory Savings is hosting this Blogger Opp for two pillows from SmartSilk (value $130!)!
 
 pillows 

 
 
Sign up below!
This event is FREE to join!  No announcement post required!  If you would like to do an announcement for a chance at the referral bonus, please grab the HTML here.
 
  • Free Twitter link

  • Additional links $1.00 each - FB, Pinterest, Feedburner, RSS, just NO Google+

  •  Co-host includes backlink and 3 links for just $5.00

  • Secret word page for $3.00
Get both a co-host and secret word page for $7 (good link backs on many blogs AND increased traffic!)!!

 
Sign up through August 15, 2013 at 8 PM CST. 
Giveaway begins August 16 at 5 PM CST.  
Ends August 30, 2013 at 11 PM.  
  
 
The blogger with the most referrals gets another FREE link!  
 
 
Sign up HERE.
 

Monday, August 5, 2013

$50 GC Sincerely Sweet Boutique Giveaway ~ Ends 8/30

$50 Sincerely Sweet Boutique Gift Card Giveaway

How would you like to win a free gift card to maybe brighten up your wardrobe with some chic and unique apparel and/or accessories? Because I have teamed up with Giveaway Monkey and Sincerely Sweet Boutique to give you a chance to win $50 worth of Gift Card that you can use in Sincerely Sweet Boutique's online shop.


Look at the images below and see some of the items that we have gathered. Each of these items are worth $50 and below! Would you believe that?! Visit their online shop to see more items that are below $50 because there are just tons. Chic, Unique, and Affordable fashion for all women - that is Sincerely Sweet Boutique's mission.

Apparel and Accessories from Sincerely Sweet Boutique

Now, all you have to do is earn your entries using the rafflecopter form below. The more entries you get the more chances of winning! This is open to everyone, worldwide, but you must be 18 years old to enter. Please remember that all entries will be verified so DO NOT cheat. The entry-form will accept entries until August 30, 2013. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I did not accept compensation for this event, nor we are responsible for the delivery of the prize. Gift card will be emailed in the form of a virtual gift card by the sponsor, which can be used immediately for purchases online at Sincerely Sweet Boutique. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook Twitter, Google, and/or Pinterest. Read full terms and condition in the rafflecopter form above.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Giveaway Link-Up ~ Beginning or Ending In August

It's been a busy Summer, but I am back in the swing of things!  Once again, I am busy searching for great giveaways & sweepstakes that I find every month...
There's not time like the present to enter. Here We GO!


Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Do you LOVE entering giveaways? We have a nice little assortment for you to enjoy below! AND there is no limit to the number of giveaways you can access & enter!

OR

Do you have a giveaway beginning or ending in the month of August? 
Leave a comment with a link to your giveaway and I will add it to our ever growing list!
SO, why not link-up and share information for readers to find your great giveaways?! 

Giveaways in gray have ended, but the links remain active.
 
1. $50 GC to Sincerely Sweet Boutique ~ The Chatty Mom (Ends 8/30)
2. Baby Bullet Food Making System ~ The Chatty Mom (Ends 8/21) 
3. Party Like A Football Star ~ The Chatty Mom (Ends 9/12)
4. Easy Canvas Prints 8x10 Giveaway ~ The Chatty Mom (Ends 8/25) 
5. Fashion Wig Giveaway (arv $34.30) ~ The Chatty Mom (Ends 9/09)
6. New Lee Jeans! ~ Lee Jeans (Ends 09/17)
7. Dragons Blood Beauty Elixir Swag Bag (ARV $300) ~ Makobi Scribe (Ends 8/22)
8. Say Hello To Diamonds "Patina Earrings" Giveaway ~ Savory Savings (Ends 8/22)
9. My Little Princess Giveaway ~ Savory Savings (Ends 8/16)
10. Maggie Bags Campus Tote ~ Savory Savings (Ends 8/17)
11. TruKid Natural Sunscreen ~ Perfectly Beachy (Ends 8/15)
12. Eco Friendly Wooden Phone Covers ~ Makobi Scribe (Ends 8/12)
13. $1,000 Daily Prize ~ RewardIt.com
14. $10,000 Cover Look Sweepstakes (Furnishings!) ~ House Beautiful (Ends 3/1/14)
15. Buick & GMC's National Sweepstakes! 2014 Vehicle of Your Choice!~ Ends 12/31/13

ATTENTION BLOGGERS ~ Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway Opp (8/08)

Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway


Easy Canvas Prints 8x10 Giveaway


ARV = $44.71


Hosted by Perfectly Beachy





Free event with announcement post.


    Free event with announcement post. And 2x per week promotion.
(html found here)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LlfyhIWERDPDRo_-a6Qke-Wu_LpiHiHl2LgjgLfreGE/edit?usp=sharing
   
   
Free Link Options (choose 1): 
Twitter or Pinterest
Paid link options: 
Facebook, Daily Comment , Twitter, Pinterest ($3 each - No Announcement needed)
Co-Host: $10


Payments can be made via Paypal made to swhaley@yahoo.com * Required
    
    

Perks of being a Co-Host - For just $10 you get:
  1. Listed as a co-host (includes link to your blog)
  2. 2 links within Rafflecopter (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Intstagram, etc.
  3. You blog will be on every one of our Co-Host blogs! Great advertisement!

What do you have to do as a Co-Host?
  1. Post the giveaway HTML. Sent by August 9th
  2. Announce giveaway on Social networks at least twice a week





 


 

Sign Up

ATTENTION BLOGGERS ~ Party Like A Football Star (8/26)


Make Our Own Network
 


Prize:

Best of Times Ultimate Personal Bar Package


ARV $698



Hosted by:




Sign-ups close 8/26

**The blogger with the most referrals will receive the additional links at no cost

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

Make Our Own Network

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.



**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com


ATTENTION BLOGGERS ~ Baby Bullet Giveaway Opp (8/06)


Savory Savings is hosting this Blogger Opp for a family friendly game from Baby Bullet!

baby_bullet_set


Sign up below!

This event is FREE to join!  No announcement post required!  If you would like to do an announcement for a chance at the referral bonus, please grab the HTML here.

Giveaway follows all Facebook and Pinterest giveaway rules – so no worries on that.

  • Free Twitter link

  • Additional links $1.00 each - FB, Pinterest, Feedburner, RSS, just NO Google+

  • Co-host page includes backlink and 3 links for just $5.00

  • Secret word page for $3.00
 
  • Get both a co-host and secret word page for $7!!                   
       
Sign up through August 6, 2013 at 8 PM CST.  Giveaway begins August 7 at 5 PM CST.  Ends August 21, 2013 at 11 PM.  

The blogger with the most referrals gets another FREE link!  

Sign up HERE.  

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Summer Has Zapped Me

 
Summer time means a whole new thing to me as a Mom...oh how I long for the meaning that it used to hold as a child.  Back then it used to mean playing outside all day, hanging out in my tree house, catching swallowtail butterflies, long bike rides, beach trips, swimming until I was all pruney and homemade ice cream for BBQs. As an adult, this summer has left my brain completely zapped.  I mean, I am mentally just worn out from trying to keep my daughters occupied this summer. 
 
This summer's dilemma is simply getting them to agree on an activity, part of it fitting activities into the budget and part getting the time to break away from working at home (I draft construction plans) and still meeting the demands of everyday housework.  My desire for a large backyard for them to go play and be occupied all day has grown by leaps and bounds. Living in an apartment with a small patio and a neighborhood of trash throwing kids makes that desire grow every day.  Does no one teach their children to pick-up their trash and respect anything anymore?  Or is it just the kids that live here who have absolutely no respect for anyone's property or the playground where they spend their time?  It makes me crazy. It makes me want to leash each one of them and walk them around the grounds picking up the garbage.
 
 
Fortunately for us, there is a man-made lake, or pond depending on your view of it, that has become the favorite morning and evening activity.  A trek around that duck, goose and sea gull filled lake has become a very welcomed deterrent to playing video games. It's also a great way to keep our doggie socialized since there are all types of dogs out for walks there every day. 
 
This morning's walk started of with a new addition of tons of tadpoles and some very large frogs...or toads. I'm not sure which is actually the correct label for them, but they were large enough that they could become some pretty thick frog plates on a Cajun plate.
 
 

Lately my little Rose has been on a mission to pet a duck.  That mission has failed every trip to the lake that we have made. This morning it could have been a success...she was very stealthy.  The geese nearby have apparently make a pact with the ducks to be their security team. As soon as she got within 20 feet of those quackers, the geese perked up and started waddling straight to her.  Rose ran screaming, "AGH! GEESE!!!"  She's seen enough of America's Funniest Videos to know that geese pose a real threat. 

Now if I could only get our little Cocoa to start walking instead of trying to constantly sprint his way around the lake, everything would be nice and smooth instead of a battle of the leash.  I'm telling ya, Ceasar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) is my chow of choice right now.  I've got to break this pup before I just buy a treadmill and hook him up to it instead.
 
I think we'll be making a blanket fort today...it's not too demanding and they still enjoy it enough to swallow up a few hours of the day.  Yes, it's totally worth all of the folding that will come when they're all done with it.
 
How has your summer time gone?  Am I the only one who is SO ready for the kiddles to head back to school?