Bling Strands ~ The Ultimate Hair Accessory ~ Review & Giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDED

Bling Strands was the first to bring this trend to the United States in 2008 and continues to grow.


It's a safe and temporary hairstyle accessory. Bling Strands are tied in, so you can change them out when the mood suits. No messy tools, glue or chemicals. You care for them just like you would your own hair. YES, you can Wash, Blow Dry, Curl, and Flat Iron up to 400 degrees.

I received 2 packs of Bling Strands to review a few weeks ago.  I received 1 pack of red and 1 pack of blue to go for the patriotic look with the Fourth of July coming up.  I had the most amazing assistant, my 2 1/2yr old daughter.  I lovingly refer to her as my "messy princess".  She's a girly-girl who is a tom-boy at heart.  At times you can find her in her dressiest clothes, with dirt smeared across her forehead, dirty banged up knees, food on her mouth and filthy hands and feet. And that, my friends, is how my daughter rolls. LOL

She was very excited about getting "princess sparkles" in her hair and I was excited to put them in for her.  I won't lie, I had a very difficult time "installing" the Bling Strands at first.  I got frustrated and was about to give up but my "messy princess" cried big fat tears because she wanted "princess sparkles".  So I enlisted the help of my husband to hold the Bling Strand down with a q-tip (his big man fingers got in the way haha) and I was able to get a single strand in.  SUCCESS!  The "messy princess" was excited as was mommy!

The next day we gave it another try.  This time her hair was wet from swimming when I "installed" the Bling Strands.  SUCCESS!  I have to say, it was much easier with wet hair.

Over the following week "installing" the Bling Strands became easier, so long as the "messy princess" had wet hair.  They've all stayed in with the exception of a few that fell out due to "installation error".  They are every bit as durable as stated on Bling Strands website.  I will list for you the true tests that these strands have survived with my 2 1/2yr old:

* Simulated 78.5mph hurricane winds (yes, it's true)
* Swimming in pool & ocean
* Tons of tumbles in gymnastic
* Hair and Bling Strands pulled by big brother
* Regular hair washes and the hair dryer
* Pony tails and pig tails (floppy ears, as my daughter calls them)
* French Braids

The Bling Strands did not hold up to snappy clip barrettes so after two broken Bling Strands I decided to try alligator clip bows for "messy princess" and there were no more broken Bling.

And that's it!  You can "install" as many Bling Strands as you want or as few as you want.  You can use subtle colors if you want a simple sparkle or you can go hog wild and use vibrant colors for a bold look.  You can wear all one color or wear multiple colors.  You can change them to match your outfit, too!  You can wear them until they fall out naturally with your hair or you can take them out with a firm tug on a single strand of hair.  Lots of possibilities with Bling Strands.

So now your wondering where can you get your Bling Strands, right?  You can click HERE to see if there is a retail location near you.  Or you can click HERE to order from Bling Strands online store.  (Note you will be required to create an account to enter the store.)

How about a chance to WIN one pack of Champagne color Bling Strands!  You got it!

HOW TO ENTER:

Main Entry:  Visit Bling Strands and tell me how many colors are currently available.  (Please complete this entry before doing any bonus entries.)

Bonus Entries:

3 Entries:  Grab my Dog Days of Summer event button.  (Pls. include link where can find button on your blog.)
1 Entry:  Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect.
2 Entries: Subscribe to my blog via e-mail.  (Pls. comment w/ e-mail address used and don't forget to validate subscription.  I do check.)
1 Entry:  Subscribe to my blog via RSS feed.
1 Entry:  "Like" A little o this... on Facebook.  (Pls. include 1st name w/ last initial in comment.)
2 Entries:  Comment on any other post on my blog.  (Let me know where you commented.)1 Entry:  Follow me on Twitter.1 Entry:  A tweet a day keeps your entries in play!1 Entry:  Scroll to the bottom of my pack and click the button for "On the Fence" to vote for my blog.  (Can be done once per day.)

1 Entry:  "Join" Bling Strands on Facebook.
1 Entry:  Subscribe to Bling Strands Newsletter.  (Pls. include e-mail address used to subscribe.)
2 Entries:  Visit Bling Strands and tell me the name of one of the magazines Bling Strands is mentioned in.

Super BONUS Entry:

Visit This Mama Loves Her Bargains and do any of the following, your choice for 5 entries:

**Follow via Google Friend Connect
**Subscribe via e-mail
**Enter any of This Mama's giveaways

COMMENTS CLOSED.  Winner Announced HERE.

This giveaway ends July 14, 2010.  The winner will picked randomly using random.org and will be notified via e-mail.  The winner will have 48hrs from the time stamp on the e-mail to claim their prize.  After 48hrs another winner will be picked.

I received samples from Bling Strands to facilitate this review.  All opinions mentioned are honest and my own.  I received no other form of compensation.  If you have further questions about Bling Strands, you can contact the company directly.

Wilton Method Class ~ Final Cake

Last night I had my final Decorating Basics Wilton Method Class last night.  I really enjoyed taking the class and look forward to taking Flowers and Cake Design.

I think for doing a rushed job I didn't do so bad :-)

Mailbox Monday ~ June 28th

Welcome to Mailbox Monday!!

<a border="0" href="http://darwinsfrg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/Darwinsfrg/MailboxMonday-2-1-1.jpg" /> </a>

A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!
Hosted by Simply Stacie, This Mama Loves Her Bargains and A little of this A little of that…

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 everyones blog who participates. If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.  NOTE: If you do not have an e-mail subscription option on your blog but you want to participate, you can go to www.feedburner.com and register to set it up.

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!!

Bloggers Against Drunk Driving Pledge to Stay Sober and Alive

Attention Bloggers
The Department of Transportation has asked American bloggers to spotlight the critical importance of staying sober behind the wheel this Independence Day. I think we all know someone who has suffered as a result of drunk driving. Let's stop the cycle!!

Together We Can Spread the Message

Stay Sober Stay Alive
July 4, 2010


1. Simply pledge your driving sobriety this Independence Day by noting your blog URL and blog name.

2. At the bottom of this “Blog Hop” you will see text in which you can grab the code for this McLinky. Simply click the link and copy and paste the code into your very own blog post’s HTML section. Then click “compose” and copy and paste this pledge, adding your own message to the top as I did above. Copy the pledge from “together we can stay alive” above.

3. Follow the host Hollywood Chic [-first on the linky-] of this Independence Day Pledge for more information on the Department of Transportation, Buzz Driving, and Stats.

Also an optional badge was created to spread greater awareness and linked to this pledge, please wear it proudly until July 5, 2010 when this pledge will close.

Dog Days of Summer ~ Event August 8 - 14

I'm excited to share some news!  I'm putting together a week long event schedule for August 8 - 14.  The event is themed Dog Days of Summer and will feature products for our canine friends as well as dog themed products for us humans.

This is the first event that I'm hosting and I'm optimistic that it will be a great success.  I'm still in need of more companies to participate in the event.  If you are a PR rep reading this and have a product that you would like included, please e-mail me.

Have a great Saturday!

THERE'S A PARTY IN MY CITY! Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE! Tickets on sale now.

Are you as excited about Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! as I am?  My kids adore Gabba and you will often hear them singing "There's a party in my tummy, so yummy! so yummy!" among the many other ever popular Gabba songs.  I'm especially excited that my husband and I get to take the kids to see Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! on August 29th in Philadelphia.  My daughter turns 3yrs on August 10th so this will be like a belated birthday gift to her.

And get this, there is going to be a Yo Gabba Gabba! CD/DVD gift pack giveaway coming SOON on A little of this A little of that...  So be on the look out for that!  Make sure you check out Yo Gabba Gabba! on Facebook and Twitter.

Here's some great information about Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!:


YO GABBA GABBA! ANNOUNCES 60 CITY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR AND SOLIDIFIES YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY!

PARTNERSHIP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

$1 From Every Ticket Sold To Benefit Habitat for Humanity Local Affiliate In Each Tour City


Los Angeles, CA-- Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road with YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to play to enthusiastic fans on a 60-city tour across North America. Today’s hottest live show for families will make stops at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America, starting August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12. YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is produced by S2BN Entertainment in association with Wildbrain Entertainment and The Magic Store.

Champions on the stage and in the community, the Gabba gang will participate in various service projects aimed at building homes and hope in the cities they visit during their four month journey across North America. In addition, $1 from every ticket sold during the 2010 YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!:

THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY North American tour will be donated to the Habitat for Humanity local affiliate in each tour city, to further their homebuilding efforts.

For complete tour, ticket, and VIP package information, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com. Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap.

The state-of-the-art production features music, singing, dancing and animation. The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

Released in October, 2009, YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 1 topped kids and overall music charts at iTunes (#1 kids album), Amazon (top 5 kids album) and Target sales, which reached more than 40,000 copies in only 6 months since its release. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME was picked as one of 2009’s top holiday gifts for toddlers by both PARENTS magazine and the popular Mom web destination MomLogic.com. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 2 will be released on iTunes and will hit shelves nationwide this Summer.

Cangles Winner Announcement

First I need to send out a great big THANK YOU to Cangles for making this review and giveaway possible.

Congratulations to our winner!

demmi said... 22

Save the Earth Charm Bangle because I think it is a good way to start a conversation about recycling
June 15, 2010 6:50 PM

The winner has been notified and has 48 hrs to claim their prize.

Please Pardon My Appearance

I am making some major changes to my blog.  I welcome any tips, thoughts or help!, while it's under construction.  I haven't a clue how to write HTML, I just hunt and peck and eventually figure out what I want. :-)  Hopefully when I'm done it will be more lively and fun!

Mailbox Monday, June 21st

Welcome to Mailbox Monday!! A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!
(Sorry I'm so late getting this posted today!  There's still lots of time to sign up and participate tho!)


<a border="0" href="http://darwinsfrg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/Darwinsfrg/MailboxMonday-2-1-1.jpg" /> </a>

Hosted by Simply Stacie, This Mama Loves Her Bargains and A little of this A little of that…

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 everyones blog who participates. If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.  NOTE:  If you want to join Mailbox Monday but don't have an e-mail subscribe option, you can get one by going to www.feedburner.com 

***New This Week*** The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Belly Charms 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!!

Sand Gone WINNER!

The winner of Sand Gone is:

I♥thesecrazykids said...14

tweeted http://twitter.com/bcgood83

JUNE 5, 2010 1:38 AM 

CONGRATULATIONS!

a super huge thank you to sand Gone!!!

Cangles Eco Friendly Jewelry Giveaway Update!

Cangles has generously increased the giveaway gift certificate amount to $30 for one lucky reader!

Enter Cangles giveaway HERE!


Hope you are all enjoying a fantastic day in the sun!  Perhaps you're at the beach, reading this post on your iPhone or iPod Touch, and are dreading the sand that is going to get carried home on your legs and feet.  Go HERE to enter my giveaway for Sand Gone!  Great product, worth checking out!  This giveaway ends TONIGHT at 11:59pm EST.  Low entries!

Target Recalls Children’s Belts Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Target Recalls Children’s Belts Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Another recall I feel is worth posting.

Regal Lager Recalls Infant Carriers Due to Fall Hazard

Regal Lager Recalls Infant Carriers Due to Fall Hazard

I'm posting this for all my mommy readers who may have one of these carriers!

Follow Me Back Tuesday is hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat & Boobies,BabiesAndABlog..  

How it Works
Follow the 4 Hostesses #'s 1 -4 ( leave us a comment so we can follow u back )
Add your blog to the list ( only have to add once )
Grab our button & the link code to post on your blog
Start to follow as many blogs as you would like ( Leave a comment so they can follow you back )
And when you receive a comment from a new follower return the favor & follow them back

Wilton Method Class Night 2

If you've thought about taking a Wilton cake decorating class, I highly recommend it!  I've learned a ton in just 2 classes.  The technique will improve with practice, I'm sure.  I very much look forward to next Monday night, I'll be making my first flower!

Here are some quick pictures from tonight's class:

Welcome to Mailbox Monday ~ June 14th

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

Hosted by: 
Simply Stacie
This Mama Loves Her Bargains  
A little of this A little of that…


<a border="0" href="http://darwinsfrg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/Darwinsfrg/MailboxMonday-2-1-1.jpg" /> </a>

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 everyones blog who participates. If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.

***New This Week*** The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Library Girl Reads 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!!

Did someone say COOKIES?

I've always had an interest in decorating cakes. My mother is extremely talented and has made many, many amazingly fabulous cakes over the years (don't let her deny it, she's got some mad skillz!)  Growing up I used to love flipping through her Wilton books.  I would daydream about which wedding cake I'd have, which cake I wanted for a baby shower etc.  Some time ago I saw that ACMoore offers Wilton cake decorating classes.  I can't count the times that I've said "I want to take those classes" but never signed up.  Then my friend Brett, over at This Mama Loves Her Bargains, took the class last month.  I was beyond green with envy.  So one Sunday while clipping coupons I took a look through the ACMoore insert and saw the Wilton class offered for $10!  Holy awesome deal!  I talked to hubby and he said I should go for it, so I did!

Last Monday was my first class and we kicked it off by decorating cookies.  Eh, not bad, not great.

Tomorrow night brings class #2 and I am very much looking forward to it.  We will be decorating a cake.  Pictures will be posted.  Good or bad.  :-)

PS) Sorry for the horrible picture quality.  I took the pictures at night in our dining room and I had the worst time getting a good white balance and I was too lazy to customize it :P

Saturday's edition of Friday Follow

Yeah, I'm a little behind but the linky is open until tomorrow so I'm joining late.  This is my first time participating in the Friday Follow blog hop.  I hope to hook up with some of you awesome bloggers out there.  Make sure you let me know that you were here so I can be sure to follow you back!  Check out my giveaways...I've got 2 great ones up and several more that are coming soon!

Winner Announcement

 Beautiful Creatures CD Download is:
Jenna Wood said... 4

Email subscriber 2
six_one_nine_girlie86 (at) yahoo (dot) com
May 29, 2010 12:55 AM

Cangles Eco Friendly Jewelry Review & Giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDED 

Cangles

GIVEAWAY UPDATE:  Cangles has generously increased the gift certificate amount to $30 for one lucky reader! 

Let me introduce you to Cangles, an amazing company that offers eco friendly jewelry.  All of the jewelry is hand-crafted from recycled products and is 100% Made in the USA!  How awesome is that!?  Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.  There are a variety of styles available for men, woman and teens ranging from Save the Earth, Military, Pink Ribbon, Summer Sizzle and more.  There is something for everyone!

Not only is Cangles dedicated to doing their part to save the earth, they also give back to the community.

Cangles, LLC donates the tabs from the cans to Ronald McDonald House Detroit; contributes to the Vassar Area Angel Food Ministry; to Save the Earth Foundation; $1 from every sale of our "Cure" bracelets goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation; $1 from each of our military logo cuffs we donate to the Wounded Warrior Project. As a family, we're extremely pleased to offer four specially designed eco bracelets with the very relevant message of "Save the Earth." When you purchase one of these bracelets, special contributions are made to aid the Foundation with their vital work.

Seriously, how many companies can say they do all of that?  Each one of the organizations Cangles donates to has in some way touched my life, personally, at one time or another.  For that alone Cangles has won a special place in my heart.

Cangles sent me two beautiful pieces.  They're funky and fun, unique and eco friendly!  The representative from Cangles asked me which item from their store I would like for a sample.  I requested a cuff from a Coke can w/ a silver flower.

Much to my surprise when I received my package there was also a lovely bangle made from a Squirt can.  I wasn't familiar with Squirt soda so I had a fun time trying to guess.  Sure I could've looked online but it was more fun trying to guess.  When my husband got home I showed him and he guessed spot on!  He was also very impressed with Cangles and thought that the bracelets were fun.  We both noted how nice and strong the magnetic clasp on the Squirt bangle is.  He didn't even realize it was a magnet until I showed him.

I'm certain that you can see the detail and beautiful craftsmanship in the photos above.  It is obvious to me that the person who worked on these bracelets takes pride in their work.

I encourage you to consider Cangles Eco Friendly Jewelry next time you need a unique and fun gift.  Think teacher gifts, babysitters, office staff, an add in for a gift basket, birthdays, graduations...  You can purchase Cangles at their online store or, if you're local, you can stop by C & S Jewelers, 125 E Huron Ave, Vassar, Michigan.

Next option would be WIN IT HERE!

Giveaway details:  Cangles is offering one of my lucky readers a $20 $30 gift certificate to their online store!


HOW TO ENTER:

Main Entry:  Visit Cangles and tell me which item you would pick if you won and why.  (Please complete this entry before submitting any extra entries.)

Extra Entries:

3 Entries * Visit Cangles online and tell me what piece of Cangles jewelry I did not mention above.
1 Entry   * Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect.
3 Entries * E-mail subscribe to my blog. (You must verify in order for your entry to count. I do check.)
1 Entry   * Subscribe to my blog via RSS.
1 Entry   * Click the We're on the Fence button at the bottom of this page to vote for my blog. (You can click it once per day, each click/vote = one entry!)
3 Entries * Enter one of my other giveaways and tell me which one!
1 Entry   * "Like" A little of this... on Fabcebook (Pls. leave name with first letter of last name in comment.)
2 Entries * Put the link to this giveaway in your Facebook status update. (Pls. leave link to your status update in comment.)
1 Entry   * Visit Cangles and tell me what celebrities have been seen with Cangles!
3 Entries * Blog about Cangles and this giveaway. (Please leave link to your blog post in comment.)
1 Entry   * Follow me on Twitter.
1 Entry   * Tweet about and this giveaway (Pls. leave link to tweet in comment. One tweet per day.)

Be Fashionably Green with Cangles Eco Friendly Jewelry. Enter to WIN a $20 gift certificate. @BlackOlive03  http://tiny.cc/p6pfr #cangles

1 Entry * Follow Cangles on Facebook.
1 Entry * Follow Cangles via Google Friend Connect.


Super BONUS Entry!

5 Entries if you visit This Mama Loves Her Bargains and do one of the following, your choice:
* Subscribe and verify via e-mail
* Follow via Google Friend Connect
* Enter one of her giveaways

Let me know which one you did in your comment.


Giveaway Ends 6/24/10 at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via e-mail. The winner will have 48hrs to claim their prize or another winner will be picked.

I received product samples from Cangles to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions shared are honest and my own. If you have specific questions about Cangles you may contact the company directly.

CONGRATULATIONS to the WINNER


 

 




demmi said... 22

Save the Earth Charm Bangle because I think it is a good way to start a conversation about recycling
June 15, 2010 6:50 PM



COMMENTS CLOSED 

YooHoo & Friends WINNER!

A great big thank you to YooHoo & Friends for sponsoring my first giveaway!  If you weren't the winner, don't forget you can purchase these adorable critters at major chain retailers such as Hallmark and Claire's, many florists, card & gift shops, as well as online.



Drum roll please..........

And the winner is...................

Forget Shyness Reviews said... 50

tweet

http://twitter.com/forgetshyness/status/15033765970

May 30, 2010 6:37 AM

Congratulations!

It's a great way to start off your week & get more BF's !!

How it Works
** Follow the 4 Hostesses #'s 1 -4 ( leave us a comment so we can follow u back )
** Add your blog to the list ( only have to add once )
** Grab our button & the link code to post on your blog
 ** Start to follow as many blogs as you would like ( make sure you leave a comment so they can follow you back )
** And when you receive a comment from a new follower return the favor & follow them back

(Every Tuesday at 12:00 am EST. you can get the new link code from any of the 4 host blogs)

*~*~*~*~* Check out my giveaways, my 1st ever giveaway ends tonight! *~*~*~*~* 

@SoftScrub Twitter Party - 6/9/10 8pm EST

I am a Soft Scrub Captain and I just received the following e-mail.

---

Soft Scrub is teaming up with mommy expert, Maria Bailey to discuss our best strategies for tackling household chores...and so much more!

Date: Wednesday, June 9th 2010
Time: 8pm EST
Location: #SoftScrubTotal
Host: @MomTalkRadio (Maria Bailey, Founder of MomSelect)

Cleaning has never been simpler, or easier and with all the extra free time you'll have simply by using Soft Scrub Total, we're giving away plenty of awesome prizes you can enjoy!

Be sure to follow @ResourcefulMom, @MomTalkRadio and @MomSelectAmy throughout the evening for updates, prize information and contest details.

The party is open to everyone so feel free to invite all your friends!

Swag Code Extravaganza ~ Swagbucks Monday 6/7/10

Have you seen everyone posting tweets and Facebook status updates about finding Swag Bucks and Swag Codes?  Have you considered joining Swagbucks but have been dragging your feet about it?  Maybe thinking "there's a catch"?  Let me tell you, there is no catch and NOW is the time to join.

Swagbucks is hosting a Summer of Swag!  What does this mean?  It means everyone will be winning more swag bucks and more swag codes!

Tomorrow, Monday 6/7/10, there is going to be a Swag Code Extravaganza!  There will be 5 codes released throughout the day.  You don't want to miss this.  FREE MONEY people, FREE MONEY!  Sign up HERE.  As a bonus, after you sign up enter the code SUMMEROFSWAG to get your first 20 Swagbucks!  Lucky duck!

Additionally, this week the Swag Guy (who you will come to love and perhaps develop a crush for) is going to be highlighting a different Swag Buck high bill value each day.  A little birdy told me that tomorrow the high bill value will be 25 tomorrow.  Every 7th searching win on Swagbucks will be awarded that big bill.  So get those Swagbucks search engines ready, it's gonna be a swag buck filled day tomorrow!

To help the newbies out, below is a list of my swaggin' tips:

SIGN UP and enter code SUMMEROFSWAG (code expires Friday, June 11 @ 11:59 pst.)
Set Swagbucks as your homepage and use it for your regular Internet searches.
Download the tool bar so you don't miss out on any valuable swag codes.
Visit Swagbucks on Facebook ~ lots of great help and often tips for finding codes.
Facebook Connect so all your friends know you're earning Swagbucks.
--Swagbuck referrals = more swag bucks for you!
Invite your friends and family to join using your referral link.
Grab the Swidget and check it regularly so you don't miss a code!
Follow Swagbucks on Twitter.
Subscribe to the Newsletter.
Follow Swagbucks Blog.
Don't share codes, it could get you banned.
Valuable information on How it Works - check it out.

Mailbox Monday 6/7/10

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


<a border="0" href="http://darwinsfrg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/Darwinsfrg/MailboxMonday-2-1-1.jpg" /> </a>


Hosted by Simply Stacie, This Mama Loves Her Bargains and A little of this A little of that…

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.

***New This Week*** The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Still Blonde After All These Years 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!!

Sand Gone Review & Giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDED

Do you love going to the beach but hate bringing the beach home with you? Guess what, you don't have to! No beach bag should be without Sand Gone. Sand Gone is a simple sand-removal product that comes in powder form with a gentle, soft powder puff for smooth, easy application.

I have to be honest, when I first saw Sand Gone online I thought "what makes this product better then everyday baby powder?" I'll tell what makes it better, it's non-toxic, non-talc (do you have any idea how many powders contain talc??) and it has a deliciously light beachy scent. Even my kids said "What's that, mommy? It smells yummy!"


Since receiving the product sample from Sand Gone my family and I have put it to the test. I, personally, hate the beach but I go because we live so close and my family loves it. Amazing what we do for our kids, huh? Sand drives me batty. I couldn't wait to try Sand Gone and had high hopes that it would make my beach days with the family more enjoyable. I am happy to report that while I still don't love the beach (I guess it's just one of those things you love or hate) the sand was much, much more manageable!

One night my husband and I took the kids to have a dinner picnic on the beach. Well of course the kids wanted to swim before they ate so we were all covered in sand by the time we ate. Have you ever tried wiping wet sand off your hands with a towel? Sure it gets some of the sand of but not all of it. Well, with Sand Gone we were able to enjoy our sandwiches with sand-free hands! I didn't want to use the puff on wet hands so I had the kids dry what they could with their towels. Then I used Sand Gone and finished getting the rest of the sand off. There were no "MY HANDS ARE SANDY!" melt downs. SUCCESS!

When we go back to the car we use towels to dust off as much sand as we can from all of our stuff. Then I have everyone dust themselves off and I come around with the Sand Gone. It's a dry powder but it isn't like the powder that leaves a huge plume of "powder smoke" that makes everyone gag. I even used the puff to get the sand off my son's face. Worked like a charm.

On that note, I do have one "caution". I got a bunch of the Sand Gone on my shirt when I dropped the puff. Not a big deal at all but it didn't brush off and left a white mark that later came off in the wash. I only say "caution" in case you're applying it while wearing something you don't want powder on :-)

I am very pleased with Sand Gone and my beach bag will never be without it. Yours shouldn't, either!

You can purchase Sand Gone by visiting their online store, HERE.  It comes in an 8oz container and I will tell you that the 8oz container will last us a good long time, even when used frequently.  It's one of those products where a little goes a long way!

Or, you can enter to WIN a container of Sand Gone right here!  Thanks to Sand Gone's generosity, one of my lucky readers will receive an 8oz container of Sand Gone!

To Enter:

Main Entry:  Super easy, simply comment and tell me what you like best about the beach!

Extra Entries:

1 Entry * Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect.
3 Entries * E-mail subscribe to my blog.  (You must verify in order for your entry to count.  I do check.)
1 Entry * Subscribe to my blog via RSS.
1 Entry * Click the We're on the Fence button at the bottom of this page to vote for my blog.  (You can click it once per day, each click/vote = one entry!)
3 Entries * Enter one of my other giveaways and tell me which one!
1 Entry * "Like" A little of this... on Fabcebook (Pls. leave name with first letter of last name in comment.)
2 Entries * Put the link to this giveaway in your Facebook status update.  (Pls. leave link to your status update in comment.)
5 Entries * Blog about Sand Gone and this giveaway.  (Please leave link to your blog post in comment.)
1 Entry * Follow me on Twitter.
1 Entry * Follow Sand Gone on Twitter
1 Entry * Tweet about Sand Gone and this giveaway (Pls. leave link to tweet in comment.  One tweet per day.)

No beach bag should be without @SandGone.  Enter to WIN and enjoy your summer #sandfree.  @BlackOlive03 http://tiny.cc/kr3ys

1 Entry * Follow Sand Gone on Facebook.
1 Entry * Follow Sand Gone via Google Friend Connect.
2 Entries * Visit Sand Gone's website and tell me something about the Sand Gone inventor.

Super BONUS Entry!

10 Entries if you visit This Mama Loves Her Bargains and do one of the following, your choice:
 * Subscribe and verify via e-mail
 * Follow via Google Friend Connect
 * Enter one of her giveaways

Let me know which one you did in your comment.

Giveaway Ends 6/19/10 at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via e-mail.  The winner will have 48hrs to claim their prize or another winner will be picked.

I received a product sample from Sand Gone to facilitate this review.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions shared are honest and my own.  If you have specific questions about Sand Gone you may contact the company directly.

WINNER:

COMMENTS CLOSED

McDonald's Recalls Movie Themed Drinking Glasses Due to Potential Cadmium Risk

I'm sharing this just in case any of my readers have recently gotten one of the Shrek McDonald's glasses.

McDonald's Recalls Movie Themed Drinking Glasses Due to Potential Cadmium Risk

Infant Death Prompts Recall of Ring Slings Made by Sprout Stuff Due to Suffocation Risk

Infant Death Prompts Recall of Ring Slings Made by Sprout Stuff Due to Suffocation Risk

I am all for and fully support baby wearing. If it wasn't for baby wearing I don't know how I would've survived my daughters' 1st year of life. The key is to know how to properly wear your baby in the carrier of your choice. Take the time to read the instructions, watch instructional videos if they're available and practice with a doll before trying to wear your newborn.

For what it's worth, my carrier of choice for a newborn is the Moby Wrap, hands down. I used a ring sling in the early weeks, too, but my first pick and most favorite is the Moby.

Wear your babies. Be educated. Be safe.

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tag Along

I'm participating in Tuesday Tag-Along again this week.
For complete details visit Twee Poppets.
Note:  I do follow back.  :-)

How it Works

* Follow the 4 Hostesses #'s 1 -4 ( leave us a comment so we can follow u back )
* Add your blog to the list (only have to add once )
* Grab our button & the link code to post on your blog
 * Start to follow as many blogs as you would like ( make sure you leave a comment so they can follow you back )
* And when you receive a comment from a new follower return the favor & follow them back

Follow Me Back Tuesday is hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat & Boobies,BabiesAndABlog..