Sunday, October 31, 2010

Mailbox Monday ~ Nov. 1, 2010


Welcome to Mailbox Monday!!  A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!

Here’s how to join in the fun:
  • Add your blog link to the linky
  • Subscribe by email to the three hostesses. They will return the favor.
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and subscribe by email to the ones that interest you. Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Mailbox Monday. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!
Everyone is welcome to participate.  Each week a new linky will be generated so make sure you stop by on Monday’s to add your blog.
Your blog *must* have a place for people to e-mail subscribe.We will be subscribing to everyone’s blog who participates.  If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.
The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Shibley Smiles which takes the #4 spot on the linky. Next week, we will choose from this week’s participants for the Blog of the Week.
Help us spread the word about Mailbox Monday! Write a post for your blog and add the blog hop code.
Let’s have fun and meet (and read via email) some new blogs!

$20 Amazon GC Giveaway Celebration


$20.00 AMAZON 
GIFT CERTIFICATE 
GIVEAWAY

Several weeks ago I promised that when my blog reached 500 GFC followers that I would offer an Amazon Gift Certificate giveaway.  This is a token of my appreciation to all of my loyal followers.  Without you guys my blog wouldn't be growing.  Not only did I reach my 500 GFC followers, I exceeded it!

So THANK YOU!

The holidays are right around the corner.  I'm sure lots of you can think of a million things to buy from Amazon, either for yourself or for a gift for someone else.

ENTER GIVEAWAY:

Main Entry:  Comment with your e-mail address - Super easy!

Bonus Entries:

1 entry each:  Follow me via any social media - GFC, RSS, e-mail Subscribe, Facebook, Twitter, VOTE for me (your click is your vote)

2 entries each:  Comment on any other post, comment on my FB page, add your blog event to the Blog Event Directory

3 entries per tweet:  You can tweet twice daily - pls use @BlackOlive03 in your tweet and include link to giveaway.  Comment with direct link to your tweet.

NEW ENTRY OPTION (added 11/10):  Earn an additional entry for *each* entry to the Bed of Nails giveaway!  Pls. include your entry/comment number from Bed of Nails when you comment here.

This giveaway will END on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010.

I received ZERO compensation to facilitate this giveaway.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 48hrs to respond and claim their prize.  The prize will be awarded via gift card codes to be applied to your amazon account.

See what other fabulous prizes are being offered by our Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide hosts by clicking HERE!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Nearly time for an Amazon GC giveaway!

A few weeks ago I promised an Amazon GC giveaway when I reached 500 Google Friend Connect followers.  I'm now 6 followers away from 500!  (That seems like such a small number compared to so many other blogs - but for *me* it's a big number :-)

I look forward to reaching the 500 followers and posting the giveaway...and that's when y'all will find out how much the giveaway is for.

Send all your friends over to follow and try for your chance to win some moolah!

Good luck to everyone!                                                                                                                                  

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Equip them Well - Protect your kids from MRSA


With fall sports in full swing, equipment cleanliness and item-sharing on and off the field may get overlooked between carpools, homework and bedtime.  But, skin infections like MRSA, a potentially life threatening antibiotic resistant Staph infection, are the cause of 56 percent of all infectious disease outbreaks in competitive sports in the U.S

It’s important that as parents and coaches we do our part to help prevent the spread of MRSA.  You can begin by getting involved in the Equip them Well program through three simple steps – collect, disinfect, donate.


I couldn't have said that better myself.  Please take the time to watch this video, the information is so important.



By posting this I am eligible to win 1 of  10 $25 gift cards.  Information within this post was provided by One2One Network.

Pedialyte Singles

Have any of your kids been hit with the flu yet?  The week before last my 3yr old daughter had some intestinal issues that I chalked up to an antibiotic she had taken for an infected finger.  Well.  Tuesday morning I got her dressed for preschool, had her on my lap to do her hair.  She put her head down and said she had a tummy ache.  Next thing I knew poor thing was getting sick.  Yep, all over herself, all over me and all over my bed.  Needless to say she did not go to school.  My son was so upset because I couldn't take him to school.

So what's the one thing, besides fever, that worries us mommies when our children are sick?  Dehydration.  It can happen so fast, especially with these flu bugs that hit with diarrhea and vomiting.  My daughter couldn't keep anything down, she's a teeny little thing so naturally I worried.  I didn't have any Pedialyte on hand and I really wish I had.  I couldn't see dragging my daughter out to the pharmacy as sick as she was.  I ended up letting her suck on some ice cubes until daddy could get home from work.


Now I won't be without Pedialyte again.  I went out and got Pedialyte Singles.  And next time I will be prepared.  I love that with the singles I can send them to "school" with the kids because sometimes although they're feeling better, their tummies are still a bit sensitive.

Gosh, there are so many times these single packs could come in handy!  Remember, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor before using Pedialyte.








Below are a few links with some great information:




How about a COUPON?  Who doesn't love to save a few bucks?






I was compensated for my time by Collective Bias. All opinions and views are my own.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

CompanyKids 30% off your ENTIRE order!

SAVE BIG at CompanyKids!


Shop today (10/26) and save 30% off your ENTIRE order.
Shop tomorrow (10/27)  and save 20% off your ENTIRE order.
Shop the Thursday (10/28) and save 10% off your ENTIRE order.

Use Promo Code:  KIDSNOOZ

I say hurry up and shop TODAY :P

Monday, October 25, 2010

Making Friends Monday


Welcome to Making Friends Monday Blog Hop, hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.
  


The rules are super simple but VERY important!
1. Follow the Making Friends Monday  Hosts (Listed as # 1-4) They WILL follow you Back! You MUST LEAVE A COMMENT so we can follow you back!
2. Grab our Making Friends Monday button and include it in a post on your blog.
3. Link up to THAT post.
4. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!
Help spread the word and get more followers:
-Put the same linky list code on your blog and you'll have the exact same list!
- Your blog visitors can add their blog to your list and it will show up on all lists!

**Don't forget to follow the rules so you have a chance to be the "Spotlight Blog of the Week"! 

Target ~ Disney Princess and Cars Stocking Stuffers

I was at Target today and scored BIG time at the "Dollar Spot".  They had a boat load of Disney Princess and Disney Cars items that are perfect for stocking stuffers - or even little rewards.  Stickers, chapstick, mini-markers, jewelry, socks, notepads, pencils, pens etc.  I stocked up.  Now they key is to keep it hidden until Christmas. :P

Mailbox Monday ~ Oct. 25, 2010 ~ Blog Hop


Welcome to Mailbox Monday!!  A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!


Here’s how to join in the fun:
  • Add your blog link to the linky
  • Subscribe by email to the three hostesses. They will return the favor.
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and subscribe by email to the ones that interest you. Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Mailbox Monday. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!
Everyone is welcome to participate.  Each week a new linky will be generated so make sure you stop by on Monday’s to add your blog.
Your blog *must* have a place for people to e-mail subscribe.We will be subscribing to everyone’s blog who participates.  If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.
The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Diary of a Chic Mommy which takes the #4 spot on the linky. Next week, we will choose from this week’s participants for the Blog of the Week.
Help us spread the word about Mailbox Monday! Write a post for your blog and add the blog hop code.
Let’s have fun and meet (and read via email) some new blogs!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dollar Tree Recalls Children's Projector Flashlights

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public AffairsWashington, DC 20207


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2010
Release #11-013
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 876-8077
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Dollar Tree Recalls Children's Projector Flashlights Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Wolverine, Spider-Man and Iron Man 2 Projector Flashlights
Units: About 275,000
Retailer: Dollar Tree Stores Inc. of Chesapeake, Va.
Importer: Greenbrier International, Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.

Hazard: The flashlights can cause the batteries and/or bulb to overheat, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of incidents involving batteries overheating in the recalled flashlights. Reported incidents include a flashlight that melted and a flashlight battery that caught fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled projector flashlights are about 6 1/2 inches in length and have the Wolverine, Spider-Man and Iron Man characters and names printed on them. The flashlights come with five extra mini discs that attach to the flashlight to project various images. The back of the packaging contains the number 16879-20012-003-1003 and UPC 6 39277 16879 5.

Sold at: Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Tree $1 Stop, Deal$ and Dollar Tree Deal$ stores nationwide from August 2010 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled flashlights away from children immediately, remove and properly discard the batteries and return the flashlights to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dollar Tree Stores Inc. at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.dollartree.com


Recalled projector flashlights
---
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site atwww.cpsc.gov.

Crystal all-natural products on sale - Rite Aid and Walgreens!

Crystal® products will be on sale at Rite Aid and Walgreens at $1 off for the Stick and $.50 off for the Roll-Ons and Spray 9/26 – 10/23

Information from the Crystal website:
Crystal is the world's leading all-natural mineral salt deodorant for a reason. While most deodorants use harsh chemicals to mask odor, we prevent it before it even starts.


For those with sensitive skin or allergies, or people who simply prefer a healthy alternative to mainstream, chemical-laden deodorants, Crystal™ deodorants are the ideal choice. Our deodorants are rated #1 by the Environmental Working Group for having the safest ingredients among natural deodorants and among mainstream commercial deodorants.
Crystal™ deodorants are NOT tested on animals, are safe for the environment and are recommended byCancer Treatment Centers Nationwide.

Learn more about Crystal all-natural products HERE.


I am a member of One2One Network and by posting this I am eligible to win one of ten $25 gift cards!!  No other compensation was received.

Welcome Swagbucks TV! Plus a 30 buck code!



Today Swagbucks.com is introducing Swagbucks TV, the new home for rewarding video content on the web.  Find fun, fresh, and original video entertainment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on topics ranging from Health & Beauty, to Technology, Sports, Nature, and more!  In addition to all the great content, you'll be eligible to earn Swag Bucks periodically as you watch videos, with multiple earning opportunities and values every single day! And, for the first two weeks, they'll be extending our referral matching program to Swagbucks TV.  That means that you'll earn matching Swag Bucks every time your referrals earn on Swagbucks TV!  (Note: you will receive a bonus at the end of the two week period which contains the full total of all your matching TV bucks) There will even be special Swag Codes every day which reward people for answering trivia questions about the videos featured on the site.
Search & Win


Don't have a Swagbucks account yet?  Start one now and you can earn a BONUS 30 Swag Bucks by entering the code 
SBTVisOnTheAir.  
This code is only valid for new users who are signing up for the first time. The code goes live at midnight EDT on Tuesday, October 19th and will be valid until 11:59pm PDT on Friday, October 22nd.




Note:  When entering the code above, make sure you copy it *exactly* as it appears.  No extra spaces before or after the code.  The code is case sensitive.  



Search & Win

Monday, October 18, 2010

Dinosaur Train on PBS - Spooktacular Episode "Night Train" and Costumes

DINOSAUR TRAIN ON PBS  
Starting October 25, PBS KIDS will offer a spooktacular lineup of Halloween-themed episodes, including DINOSAUR TRAIN –"Night Train" in which Dad, Buddy and Tiny take a special ride on the Dinosaur Train at night, learning about animals that are active after dark, culminating at the Big Pond for a nature walk under the full moon.   Educational component: Many animals are most active at night, usually as a means to avoid detection by predators or to aid in hunting (depending on the animal). This lifestyle may have applied to some dinosaurs as well, including Troodon.
There’s also a great music video for the Halloween episode at the following link: Dinosaur Train Halloween Music Video

DINOSAUR TRAIN COSTUMES FOR PURCHASE
There are two new costumes as outlined below, available at Spencer Gifts and other independent and regional retailers.  SRP $39.99 
Dinosaur Train Costume – Buddy 
 
Buddy is the main character on the hit TV series, Dinosaur Train.  This colorful costume includes the orange colored T-Rex jumpsuit, Buddy the dinosaur hood, and the shoe covers to match the costume.  Currently, this Buddy Dinosaur Train costume is available for toddlers ages 3-4, and children between the ages of 4-6.
 
Dinosaur Train Costume – Tiny 
 
Tiny is one of the main characters on the hit TV series, Dinosaur Train.  This colorful costume includes the green colored Pteranodon jumpsuit, Tiny the dinosaur hood, and green shoe covers to match the costume.  Currently, this Tiny Dinosaur Train costume is available for toddlers ages 3-4, and children between the ages of 4-6.

Each Dinosaur Train costume is made up of soft fabric to enhance a child’s comfort while wearing them. The costumes are also created in vibrant colors and realistic design patterns to make your toddler look and feel like a dinosaur train character. 
 
A BUDDY COSTUME 
TO MAKE AT HOME!
Additionally, for those who are feeling a little adventurous, Jim Henson's Creature Shop — the folks who brought you Elmo and Miss Piggy, among many others — have created a Buddy costume that can be made at home! 
 
There are sew and no sew options at the following link:  Dinosaur Train Make-at-Home Costume   

You can see a video of the sew version at the following link:  Dinosaur Train Costume Video

ABOUT DINOSAUR TRAIN:
 
DINOSAUR TRAIN embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. This top-rated, award-winning series, which airs on PBS KIDS®, encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. 
 
The stars of DINOSAUR TRAIN are Buddy, an adorable preschool age Tyrannosaurus rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family who board the DINOSAUR TRAIN to embark on adventures to prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. In season one of the series, children were introduced to over 40 types of dinosaurs, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and now to collect their favorite dinosaurs. A second season of DINOSAUR TRAIN for PBS KIDS® is currently in development for 2011.

Kritter Kommunity ~ Review


Kritter Kommunity gets 2 paws up from my cat, Simon.  About 14, or so, years ago I got Simon from a co-worker.  He was a stray cat that she found and took in.  The problem was that Simon kept bullying her dogs.  Yes, you read that right.  I was single and lived alone with another cat I had at the time.  I told my co-worker that I'd take the cat in and see how he would get along with my cat.  For 2 weeks they hated each other and then they just clicked.  Simon has been with me ever since and is quite the old man, 20+ years old.

There was one major change, for Simon, when I took him in.  He could no longer be an indoor/outdoor cat.  He adjusted perfectly.  He LOVES to go on our screened in porch and my husband and I have often said we wished we could let him outside but it's just not safe for him.  Kritter Kommunity has totally made that possible for Simon.

A little bit about Kritter Kommunity:
The Kritter Kondo Deluxe is an outdoor pet enclosure ideal for indoor cats and small dogs. The Kritter Kondo Deluxe collapses flat with the simple release of a few pins; no assembly required. A shade canopy is built in to offer a shady side and a sunny side for your pet to enjoy. The Kondo comes with it’s own carrying case which has a shoulder strap and handles for easy mobility and storage.  The interior of the carrying case has three pockets and a zipper pouch for toys, food, blanket and bed.

My Experience with the Kritter Kondo Delux:
Set up was super easy and took no time.  This thing is HUGE!  And I mean that in a good way, for sure!  A bit bulky to carry around but not unmanageable.  I felt that the Kondo was nice and sturdy but that maybe the netting around the Kondo could have been a tad bit more taut.  It just seemed a little loose but it wasn't a problem at all.  I recommend setting up the Kondo where you plan on leaving it, unless you have someone to help you pick it up to move it.  I started to drag it (which I don't recommend doing) across the deck and the netting snagged on a flaw in our deck.  My husband and I then very easily picked it up and moved it.  
Would I recommend a Kritter Kommunity cat enclosure?  YOU BET!  We love ours so much that we've actually left it set up on the "catio".  It's even been left out in severe rain storms and withstood high winds.  The canopy collapsed, from the heavy rain, and that was it.  We love being able to put the cat outside for fresh air.  I'm even thinking about getting a small litter box to put out there so he can be out there for extended periods of time.  Of course, no animal should be left unattended while using the outdoor pet enclosure.

Simon's Experience with the Kritter Kondo Delux:

Roamed around, checking things out.
Quite happy to be able to stalk wildlife again!
Just like a child he felt the need to test his limits.
Enjoyed having a visitor over :P

A Happy Cat
Interested in purchasing a Kritter Kondo for your favorite kritter?  You have one shipped right to your door by visiting Kritter Kommunity online!

Safety: Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended. This outdoor cat enclosure is meant as a temporary setting only. It cannot protect your pets from predators. As with any outdoor pet product supervision of your pet when in use is recommended. These products are not toys and should not be used by infants or children, for domestic cats & dogs only, not for hybrids, ferals, wild animals or pets that chew.

I received a Kritter Kondo Delux to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed within this review are 100% honest and my own.  No other compensation was received.  For specific questions regarding Kritter Kommunities, pls. contact them directly.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Mailbox Monday ~ October 18, 2010 ~ A Blog Hop


Welcome to Mailbox Monday!!  
A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!
Here’s how to join in the fun:
  • Add your blog link to the linky
  • Subscribe by email to the three hostesses. They will return the favor.
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and subscribe by email to the ones that interest you. Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Mailbox Monday. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!
Everyone is welcome to participate.  Each week a new linky will be generated so make sure you stop by on Monday’s to add your blog.
Your blog *must* have a place for people to e-mail subscribe.We will be subscribing to everyone’s blog who participates.  If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.
The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Having Fun Blogging which takes the #4 spot on the linky. Next week, we will choose from this week’s participants for the Blog of the Week.
Help us spread the word about Mailbox Monday! Write a post for your blog and add the blog hop code.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Read My Feed Blog Hop



Read My Feed Weekends is hosted by This Mama Loves Her Bargains, Coupons are GREAT and The Thrifty Things!!

Please link up with your RSS link.  Any non- RSS links will be deleted!!  The link should look something like: http://feeds.feedburner.com/yourblognamehere

Please do subscribe to each of the three hosts- and feel free to subscribe to one or all of the blogs listed in whatever reader you choose.  All of the hosts will be following all participants who link directly to their RSS subscription.  Its always nice to help a fellow blogger out!!

Please when you do subscribe to someone's feed, leave them a quick comment on a non-giveaway post and let them know, so they can return the favor!!  Feel free to tell them how great you think their blog is, too, we all love a compliment now and then...

Friday, October 15, 2010

Pear Tree Greetings ~ GIVEAWAY


You guys are going to love this month's Pear Tree Greetings giveaway!

But before I give you the giveaway details, I have to tell you about the sweetest Thank You Note ever.  My 5yr old dug in his piggy bank and took out a one dollar bill.  He gave it to his PopPop for his birthday.  It was just an amazingly sweet thing to do.  Well a few days later my son received a Thank You Note from his PopPop.  It was such a simple gesture, on both accounts, but that Thank You Note meant the WORLD to my son.  He was so proud. 

Okay now for the GIVEAWAY!  Pear Tree Greetings is giving one lucky reader a FREE set of personalized note cards (up to 16 cards)! These note cards can be used as thank you cards or make great gifts for hostesses, friends, family and beyond.  
I received a sample pack of these cards in the mail and I can tell you first hand how fabulous they are.  You won't receive anything but the best quality from Pear Tree Greetings!  



As if the giveaway they're offering isn't already awesome, they also have a whole page full of rockin' discounts!  Check it out - Coupon Codes and Promotions


TO ENTER:

MAIN ENTRY:  Visit Pear Tree Greetings and sign up for their newsletter - located at the bottom of the page.

BONUS ENTRIES:

1 Entry Each:  Follow Pear Tree Greetings social Media sites - Facebook Twitter Blog RSS
2 Entries:  Comment on Pear Tree Greetings Facebook page telling them I sent you

1 Entry Each:  Follow A little of this... via Social Media sites - Google Friend Connect, RSS, e-mail subscribe, Facebook, Twitter, VOTE for my blog (your click is your vote)

1 tweet = 1 entry: Include @BlackOlive03 @PearTreeGrtngs http://tiny.cc/hzfny in your tweet, pls.

2 Entries:  Comment on my Facebook page 

3 Entries:  Put a link to the giveaway in your Facebook status, Grab any of my buttons, add your blog event to the Blog Event Directory

5 Entries Each:  Write an Alexa review, Blog about the giveaway (include link in your comment)

ENDS 11/4/2010 at 11:59pm.

I am a Pearista and received samples to facilitate this giveaway.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions shared are 100% my own.  If you have specific questions regarding Pear Tree Greetings, pls. contact their customer service dept.
Pear Tree Greetings Pearista