Wednesday, December 29, 2010

PayBox

PayBox

Join PayBox and get FREE money! It's super easy. They start your account with $25 and you get $10 deposited for each referral that signs up using your link! So what are you waiting for? Click the link and sign up and then ask your friends to sign up using your link!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Ultimate Bake Shoppe - Review & Giveaway ~ The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Okay folks, with just days left there's last minute shopping, wrapping and baking to be done.  Along with that I'm sure everyone is making their menus for Christmas morning breakfast, too.  The perfect Christmas morning breakfast for me would be a nice hot cup of my favorite Caribou coffee with some of The Ultimate Bake Shoppe's authentic, home baked Biscotti.

I was beyond spoiled when I received a sample of The Ultimate Bake Shoppe's Biscotti.  And by sample I'm talking a huge box filled with a variety of flavors.  My personal favorite was the cherry vanilla, but there wasn't a single biscotti that went to waste - I loved them all.  They are very hard so *perfect* for dunking in coffee or tea.  I liked that there was still crunch after dunking, unlike some biscotti that becomes mush and drops off into the bottom of your coffee cup.

And check this out - The Ultimate Bake Shoppe's Original Recipe is FAT FREE and LOW in sugar!  So this would be a great alternative if you're worried about over indulging in sweets. 

Don't forget, New Year's is also right around the corner.  Wouldn't it be nice to wake up New Year's morning with coffee and biscotti while nursing your hangover from the festivities the night before??  Having guests over?  Perfect.  No strong odors from eggs, bacon and pancakes to make your stomach turn.  You won't have to get up and cook, either.  AND, you won't have to worry about opening the fridge in the morning only to realize you forgot to get the cream cheese for the bagels. :P

The Ultimate Bake Shoppe has 2 locations:  Ardmore, PA and Wayne, PA.  So local peeps, while you're out running a zillion errands trying to prepare for the upcoming weekend, stop in and take care of breakfast or pick some up as a gift!  Not local?  No worries, you can order online or by phone!

The Ultimate Bake Shoppe has graciously offered to send one of my lucky readers a sample box!  See details below:
ENTER TO WIN:
NOTE:  Remember to add one comment for each entry and include your e-mail address in at least one of your comments.

MAIN ENTRY:  Visit The Ultimate Bake Shoppe and which flavor biscotti you think you'd like best, should you win.  Please include your e-mail address in your comment.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1 Entry Each: 
Like The Ultimate Bake Shoppe on Facebook
Follow ME on Facebook
Follow me via GFC
E-mail or RSS subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other post (non-giveaway) - pls. include the name of the post and your comment number
Daily tweet - pls. include @BlackOlive03 and giveaway link in your tweet (your comment should include direct link to tweet)

5 Entries - Write a quick and easy review on Alexa (a kind review is appreciated but not required.)
Additional BONUS ENTRIES - details.
Giveaway ENDS December 26, 2010 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be chosen via random.org and will be notified via e-mail.  They will have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize.  In the event that the prize is not claimed in the allocated time a new winner will be selected.

I received product sample to facilitate this review.  No other compensation was received.  If you have questions about The Ultimate Bake Shoppe or their products, pls. contact the company directly. 

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

Mailbox Monday ~ Dec. 20, 2010

Whew!  Are YOU ready for Christmas?  I'm sure not!  Things have been CRAZY in the Froggy household.  Lots of unplanned and unexpected "events" that have pulled me away from the computer.  So in trying to get back in the swing of things I'm starting this Monday with Mailbox Monday - THANK YOU to This Mama Loves Her Bargains for keeping up with Mailbox Monday.  And to finish out this last week before Santa makes his rounds, I will be bringing the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide to a close.  Be on the look out for a HUGE giveaway and lots of great last minute gift ideas!
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 Living on Love and Cents 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!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Cold Stone Creamery Hot Cocoa - Whrrl #coldstonecocoa


More check-ins at Walmart #1807
Powered by Whrrl

Thursday, December 9, 2010

NBC's Community Christmas Episode Review


Who said cartoons are for kids?  I was super excited to hear that Community's Christmas episode was going to be in stop motion animation.  How exciting that my husband and I got to enjoy a cartoon that didn't involve a big purple dinosaur, a blue dog or light sabers.

I don't get to watch Community every week, sure wish I could, though!  (TIVO is currently out-of-order in my house.)  So when we can get the kids in bed and we get to actually sit down to watch a show, it's always a fun time watching Community.

Watch Community on Thursdays, 8/7c.


With the Christmas episode being stop motion animation, the laughs were all that much better.  The meaning of Christmas is lost and Abed becomes fixated on rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas.  What does Abed find the true meaning of Christmas to be?  Well, you'll have to watch to find out!



I am posting this as a project with One2One Network and am eligible to win prizes.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

World's Biggest SnoCone ~ Will Bahama Buck's do it?

Bahama Buck's World's Biggest SnoCone

December 7 - 9, 2010

For more details visit:
http://www.worldsbiggestsnow.com/


Blake Buchanan, president of Bahama Buck's, is leading the charge as his company, which is a collection of nearly 30 shaved ice shops, attempts to break the Guinness record for the world's biggest snow cone. This is part of a three-day effort called the Sno Angel Project, to raise funds for at-risk kids in Lubbock, Texas at the Children's Home of Lubbock. Individuals, groups and businesses are encouraged to buy blocks of ice that ultimately provide local kids with safe housing and other support programs. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to this charity.
It is the company's 20th year of doing business, having spent the entire time based in Lubbock. The snow cone will contain a whopping 10,221,120 calories, includes 16,080 pounds of snow, 14,160 pounds of birthday cake flavored syrup.
Other fun facts include:
  • The current Guinness record is a 4,640 pound snow cone. This one will hopefully
  • It would take 60,480 people to each eat one 8 oz. serving
  • Since each 8 oz. cup is approximately 169 calories, this giant treat would be 10,221,120 calories
  • If one person ate one 8 oz. serving per day every day, it would take that person 164 years to complete the job
  • The ginormous beverage would fill 60,480 8 oz. containers and would contain approximately 9,000 pounds of pure cane sugar
  • The "cup" will be 10 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter (26 foot radius)
  • Said "cup" is actually a high-density polyethylene bulk storage tank
  • Yes, a humongous lid will also be included (no plans for a straw, though)

Content provided by Fishman Public Relations.

Tukaiz Personalized Calendar ~ Review & Giveaway ~ The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Are bored of giving the same photo calendar gift year after year? Want something new and fun? You absolutely must check out the Tukaiz personalized calendars. 
Tukaiz offers many different styles for you to choose from. You are able to preview the calendar pages with the name of your choice. I really liked this because it helped me decide which style I wanted to order. Also, in playing with the preview feature on the site I tried putting in different sayings, to see if I wanted a less personalized calendar. In the end I chose my son's name and had it printed on the vintage transportation style.

I simply cannot rave enough about the high quality of the calendar I received.  It isn't at all like the flimsy calendars you can pick up in any market.  The printing is superior.  Seriously, this would be one gift that everyone would spark lots of chatter.  Everyone will want to know where you got it - and you can tell them, Tukaiz!

About Tukaiz:
Tukaiz Products, a division of Tukaiz, LLC, is devoted to putting a smile on your face through exciting and fun personalized products. Each product places the name you select into the image(s) of choice, and is then produced with you in mind.
In creating this unique product, we discovered through our own family and friends that they are a truly memorable gift unlike any other.
We’re a Chicago based company so we offer three different calendar image sets that feature our hometown, but we’re also committed to building a vast collection of regional image categories coast to coast.

The Tukaiz calendars make great, affordable gifts for anyone!  You can WIN one of these unique and fabulous calendars.  See below for contest rules.

ENTER TO WIN:
Remember to add one comment for each entry and include your e-mail address in at least one of your comments.

NOTE:  This giveaway is for 1 calendar of your choice.  The winner will receive a coupon code for the purchase of their calendar.  The winner will be responsible for all shipping and handling costs.

MAIN ENTRY:  Visit Tukaiz and look and tell me what calendar style you'd pick, should you win.  Please include your e-mail address in your comment.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1 Entry Each: 
Follow Tukaiz on Twitter
Like Tukaiz on Facebook
Follow ME on Facebook
Follow me via GFC
E-mail or RSS subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other post (non-giveaway) - pls. include the name of the post and your comment number
Daily tweet - pls. include @Tukaiz @BlackOlive03 and giveaway link in your tweet (your comment should include direct link to tweet)

5 Entries - Grab the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide button and leave me a link where I can see it.
5 Entries - Write a quick and easy review on Alexa (a kind review is appreciated but not required.)
Additional BONUS ENTRIES - details.
Giveaway ENDS December 10, 2010 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be chosen via random.org and will be notified via e-mail.  They will have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize.  In the event that the prize is not claimed in the allocated time a new winner will be selected.

I received a product sample to facilitate this review.  No other compensation was received.  If you have questions about Tukaiz or their products, pls. contact the company directly. 

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

The Search for Santa Paws - In stores NOW!

THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS is Available on Blu-ray & DVD

Isn't it true that the spirit of Christmas gets lost in the hustle and bustle?  Watching movies like Disney's The Search for Santa Paws is the perfect way to rekindle that Christmas spirit.  This adorable movie will be enjoyed by children and grown ups of all ages!  
The Search for Santa Paws sort of reminded me of Annie.  There is a mean, cranky social worker and orphan girls who sing and dance.  That's just a small part of the movie, though.  There is adventure, laughter, tears...this movie has it all!  I'll stop there.  I don't want to say to much about the movie, because that will spoil it!

For years to come I know I will be hearing my kids asking to watch The Search for Santa Paws each holiday season.  We loved Santa Buddies last year so I knew this one was sure to be a hit, too!

In case you missed my earlier post, below is an article provided by Click Communications to help you get in the spirit of the holidays!

“Someone once told me that the spirit of Christmas is embodied in the hearts of children, untouched as of yet by the doubts, fears and disappointments of the adult world.”                                                     --Santa Claus in “The Search for Santa Paws”
Whether you’re nine or ninety-nine, Santa Claus likely still holds a special place in your heart. Maybe you remember sitting on his knee at your local mall as a child or writing—and re-writing—him a letter asking for a dollhouse or red wagon.  Many of us remember staying up past midnight in hopes of catching a glimpse of him as he came down your chimney.
As parents, we pass down the stories and traditions of Santa Claus.  Even if we can’t think of a logical explanation as to how he visits every home on one night or why there are so many Santa look-alikes all around town each December, it is important that we support the true meaning of Christmas and the Santa Cause. Kids ask us tough questions all the time, and this one, like many others, is one that doesn’t come with a clear-cut answer. The simplest thing is to tell your children to have faith and to just believe. Children love magic, so if you just explain that Santa is magical, that should hopefully help them understand the underlying spirit of Christmas.
Santa Claus is a wonderful tradition, and establishing traditions in your family that get passed down from generation to generation—such as baking cookies for Santa and his elves each Christmas Eve or leaving carrots out for his reindeer—helps create a bond between you and your children. It also makes the holiday more meaningful, memorable and fun for kids, who otherwise might complain about wearing a coat and tie to Christmas Eve dinner at grandma’s. So despite the fact that logic may tell you otherwise, make a point of teaching your children about Santa Claus, his 8 tiny reindeer, his sleigh, his workshop and of course, his best friend, Paws.

I received a copy of The Search for Santa Paws to facilitate this review.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed within are 100% my own.

Pop Goes Froggio ~ A fun children's game ~ The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

I have a great game suggestion for you for the short people in your life.  Pop Goes Froggio from Hasbro is an adorable kids game of matching that keeps the kids engaged.  Unlike other games, Pop Goes Froggio gives the children an opportunity to launch  Froggio into the air - the question is, who will catch Froggio?  Or will he go splat?  
 The kids and I love this game because it's one that gets you up and moving.  Of course the kid's favorite part of the game is getting to stomp on the lily pad launcher and seeing how high they can launch Froggio.  Froggio is made of a soft foam so no worries about accidental bonks.  Of course, it's always a good idea to use caution and follow the warnings printed on the game.
My "action" shot LOL
More about Pop Goes Froggio(Approximate Retail Price: $16.99; Recommended Age: 3 and up; Players: 2 to 4)
Place lily pads featuring Elefun and his friends face down around the room. Take turns spinning the butterfly spinner and race around to try and find the matching Elefun character. Once the matching lily pad is found, the preschooler stomps on the lily pad launcher to send Froggio flying!


Product Description:


Meet FROGGIO: Although he gets himself into sticky situations, FROGGIO always bounces back with a laugh. He's a witty sidekick who helps his friends on every adventure.
Leaping over lily pads isn't just for frogs! Get on your feet and run around to flip over these "lily pads" and find friendly character faces. When you make a match, rush over to press the launcher and send your FROGGIO figure flying. Can you catch this smiley guy or will the frog fall flat? Get matching and get catching!
Includes butterfly spinner unit with plastic tube, foam FROGGIO, lily pad launcher, 12 character lily pads and instructions.
Adult assembly required.
/!\ CAUTION: Do NOT at aim at eyes or face. TO AVOID INJURY: Use only the frog designed for this product. Do not modify frog or launcher.


I received a product sample to facilitate this review.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed within are 100% my own.  If you have specific questions about Pop Goes Froggio, please contact Hasbro customer service.