The Art of Random Willy-Nillyness: February 2010
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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Giveaway Round Up

Got Beef? I want beef so I entered over at Mommy's Must Haves for a $100 Omaha Steaks card gift card!! Yippee!

Another Beef giveaway!! Go over to Chefdruck Musings to enter!! $100 Omaha Steak card. WOO!!!

A Sony Reader! Go over to a Yummy Mummy on a Pink Park Bench. Tell her you entered from my site and I get extra entries!!

OMG Alice in Wonderland. I cannot wait to see this movie. I love the book and story and now it has Johnny Depp. Can it get any better? Head over to Mommy Googles to enter to win some cool prizes!

Head on over to Sheer Blance and enter the Amy's Kitchen giveaway! I just won an American Heart Association basket from Sheer Balance! So you should enter and try to win this one! YAY!!

Pure Natural Diva has a bag full of Seventh Generation cleaning products!! I love these products!

More to come!!



Thursday, February 25, 2010

Disciples of the 90's Twitter Party!!!


Hey folks, this Saturday my friend Victoria is launching her new website: Disciples of the 90's!!

The website DisciplesoftheNineties.com was started as more than a fun, retro-pop culture thing (*which it is, no doubt!). But it's also a statement. The past decade brought a lot of cynicism, sadness and fear into our culture, and looking back there was just a lot more open-mindedness and optimism. So not only is this site about celebrating what may be your favorite stars or albums or foods or whatever from the 1990s, but it's also about evoking that state of mind, bringing the best of the 1990s into the present. We would encourage you to check out our first article/interview at www.disciplesofthenineties.com as well as join us at the twitter party!

So come join us on Saturday, February 27th from 9-11pm EST. We will be talking about all things 90's!! We will also have some cool prizes to give out. WOO! The hashtag is #dot90s. And you must be following @dot90s to be eligible for prizes.


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

WINNER!! CSN $50 Store Credit!

Drumroll please. The winner of the CSN giveaway chosen by Random.org is:

Romapr

Congrats! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank CSN Stores for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

CLOSED ~ Crisco Olive Oil Review and Giveaway


When I think of cooking oil, I think of Crisco. I always use Crisco oil and have since I can remember. I think it's because my mami and abuelita always bought Crisco so I never ever thought to buy another brand.

I like it. It tastes fantastic and now they have so many different varieties of oils that you have one for any type of meal you want to make. So when I was contacted by Crisco to review and receive a basket full of goodies, I jumped at it.

I received this basket. In the basket I found 4 varieties of Crisco Oil, a spatula, a cool Crisco apron, a Crisco recipe book and coupons for Crisco products. I was in heaven. There were three type of Olive Oil: Extra Virgin, Light and Pure. There was also an Omega 3 oil as well. I plan to use these up to very last drop as I always do. Olive oil is good for you as well. And now that I am cooking healthier, I have been using more and more olive oil versus regular oils.

To help consumers incorporate healthful and delicious Latin flavors into their diet, Crisco has teamed up with personal trainer, cook, nutritionist and mom, Sylvia Melendez-Klinger. As part of a series of traditional Latin American recipes for Crisco's Abre tu Despensa al Mundo Crisco (Open your Pantry to the World of Crisco) Sylvia has developed several recipes that are healthful and have that Latin spice! You can go to Crisco's bilingual website: Crisco en Espanol and find some fantastic recipes. Make sure to check out Sylvia's tasty Lime Tortilla Crusted Snapper with Tangy Cilantro Sauce (Pargo Empanizado con Salsa de Cilantro). For my Spanish speaking audience (like my mami) there is a Spanish version here. This recipe not only looks good but it is also healthy.

I watched the video and I plan to use this recipe. Tom will love it. I will also adapt this recipe for chicken since I don't eat fish. I cannot wait to taste it. My favorite part is the cilantro sauce which I tried the other day and served it with beef. It was absolutely delicious.

If you want to try Crisco oil, you can click here and receive coupons for $0.55 off on Crisco No-Stick Cooking Sprays (these are great) or a $1 off coupon on Crisco Olive Oil and Crisco Puritan Canola Oil.

If you want a fancy basket just like mine, well guess what? Crisco was kind enough to offer and extra one for my fantastic readers!! Now this baby is fantastic so you really want to enter to win!!

Mandatory Entry

This is easy peasy. Just answer the following question:

"Which variety of olive oil do you tend to use in the kitchen? Extra Virgin, Light or Pure and how do you use them?

Extra Entries

* Visit the Crisco site and come back and tell me what recipe appeals to you. (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Fan The Art of Random Willynillyness Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!

Deadline: Saturday, March 20 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.





Disclosure: I received sample products for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

CLOSED ~ Trust the Gorton's Fisherman! Giveaway - 5 winners!


I have to be totally honest. I don't eat fish. I will eat tuna in can and shellfish but not other fish. Yes, I am a weirdo.

When I got the opportunity to review Gorton's Products, I had to turn it down but, luckily, I was offered the opportunity to do a giveaway. I loved that because although I don't eat fish, I know my readers do!! And you guys know that I love to giveaway stuff to you so I accepted.

Now I know a few of my friends who have tried Gorton's products and they swear by them especially for the kiddos. My friend says her girls love the fish sticks. But they have so much more. Besides the Classic Breaded Fish Sticks, Gorton has a variety of Breaded Fillets, battered Fillets, grilled fillets, fish tenders and shrimp! I do love breaded shrimp. The new products look good too. Go on the Gorton's site and you can find some recipes so you can make some tasty dishes. I would actually eat those shrimp tostadas. They look delish!

Gorton's is a family friendly company and the easy to make products make it easy to eat healthy and stay on a budget. The products are great for snacks or a quick dinner. Add a salad and a baked potato and dinner is done.

You can go onto the site and print out a coupon for $1 off any two products. Buy three (3) Gorton's products and you can get this cool electronic Sudoku game.

So if your family likes fish and shrimp and you are looking for a new way to serve it to them, then you should definitely check out Gorton's products. And now five (5) of you will be able to try Gorton's products courtesy of Gorton's! You know the drill, my friends.


Mandatory Entry

Visit the Gorton's site and come back and tell me what other product you like want to try or which recipe appeals to you!

Extra Entries

* Fan Gorton's on Facebook (1 entry)
* Sign up for the Gorton's Newsletter (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Fan The Art of Random Willynillyness Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!

Deadline: Saturday, March 13 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.



Disclosure: I received no product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

WINNER!! Bare Escentuals "Rethink What Matters" Foundation Giveaway

Drumroll please. The winner of the bareEscentuals chosen by Random.org is:

ERIN

Congrats! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank bareEscentuals for this great prize and the opportunity for my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

MANper Him and Call Your Buff - Karen Neuburger & Ms. Manicure Review

Okay I love Karen Neuburger jammies. I got a pair a few years ago and they were fantastic. I still have them and wear them often because they are super duper comfortable.

hat I had no idea about was that Karen Nueburger had Men's Pajamas. But recently I was given the opportunity to try a pair of the KN Plaid Pajama Pants. Well, I didn't get to try them but Tom did. Imagine his surprise when I gave him these really nice Pajama pants when he got back from being out of town. Of course, I finally had to come clean and tell him that the pants were sent for a review but he appreciated them nonetheless.

He loves the new jammie pants. He said they were soft and comfortable. They were a little long but since they are jammies, he felt that was okay. The best thing he liked was the fabric because he said it was not too warm or cold. Tom also liked the drawstring closure. Plus, I have to add, he looked good in them! I was happy to be able to MANper him!!

The KN Karen Neuburger Plaid Pajama Pants ($34) are available at Karen Neuburger and can be paired with a KN Karen Neuburger Long Sleeve Microfleece Henley Pajama Top. If you need a nice gift for a man in your family, you must head over to KN and check out the variety of jammies they have. I know that Tom might be getting a pair for his birthday or Christmas.

Another item I was able to review was the Ms.Manicure. This one I kept for myself. This is the coolest tool. It's an all in one manicure kit. This little wonder does it all. It files, buffs, smooths, neatens edges, polishes and shapes! It is really a wonderful tool to have in my purse and/or my medicine cabinet. There is not much more I can say about it except that it is really cool. It even comes with step by step instructions to give yourself a wonderful manicure. And at $2.99, it's a deal!!!





Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Become A Beauty Buff with EcoTools Review


I recently had the opportunity to review some new makeup brushes by ecoTOOLS. Let me tell you these brushes were amazing. These were the products I tried!

The brand new ecoTOOLS Bronzer Brush ($9.99) is the perfect tool for attaining an even and natural golden glow! Brush the incredibly full head of super soft bristles across skin where the sun naturally hits, resulting in a warm, sun-kissed glow. The beautiful, solid bamboo handle is professionally designed for ease of use and proper application of bronzer onto the face and neck.

Featuring a Large Eye Shadow Brush, Angled Crease Brush, Petite Eye Shading Brush, Domed Highlighting Brush, Smudge Brush and compact travel Cosmetic Case with Mirror, the 6 Piece Eye Brush Set makes it easy to take on any daring look! Each brush is printed with its name to ensure proper usage with every application.

I don't often wear make-up but when I do I try to do my best. My problem is I am one of those people who really has no idea what brushes to buy so I go out and buy whatever is on sale. Of course, those never work and get ruined quickly. So I was thrilled to be able to try such high quality brushes.

I was also thrilled when I found out that ecoTOOLS recently teamed up with celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf and together they have chosen products and have created videos with pointers to create a professionally pretty face. Trust me, I need these videos since I am no expert on applying make-up. If you want some helpful tips on how to apply your makeup you have to check out these videos.

These make videos will have you applying make-up like a pro in no time:
Create a cunning cat-eye
Create a flawless face
Create a sultry smoky eye
Touch-up your face for day to night

I watched the flawless face video and learned some good tips because I would just apply my make-up willy-nilly and really had no idea how to make my face look better. But the tips really helped me. I was able to get a smoother and more professional look.




I love these brushes. They are easy to use and feel great on my face. The travel kit was wonderful because it slipped right into my carry on when I took a trip. It was nice to have such great brushes on my trip.

What I also love about these products is that they are eco-friendly. The handles are made from fast-growing sustainable Bamboo. The brush hairs are made of Taklon and are 100% cruelty free. The storage pouch is made from natural cotton and hemp. The metallic ferrule are made from recycled aluminum cans. The reusable pouches printed with plant-based ink.

So not only do you get high quality professional brushes but you are doing your part to help the environment. I am all about that. So if you are looking for some new make-up brushes, you should look into these. They worked for me!!



Disclosure: I received sample products for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Friday, February 19, 2010

CLOSED ~ "Revamp your Junk Drawer" with Rubbermaid ~ Review and Giveaway


When I received the opportunity from Rubbermaid to do a review and giveaway of the Rubbermaid new 6 piece drawer organizers I have to say I was a little reluctant and excited. Excited because these are Rubbermaid products and I have always had good luck with anything Rubbermaid. Reluctant because I would have to actually show you one of my junk drawers. I am embarrassed to say that I have a lot of junk drawers especially in the kitchen.

I have no idea how it begins but it happens. You start by putting in one random thing and then another and the next thing you know, it is out of control. Then you just move on to another drawer and when all is said and done, you have junk drawers all over the house. If you saw my junk drawers you would know I really need these products.

I decided to do one drawer that has random items. Some cookware, batteries, clips and other things. The Rubbermaid drawer organizers come separately so you can configure them any which way. But they also interlock so they won't get all messed up in the drawer. They look nice and they stay in place.

After trying these, I realize that I must go out and buy at least 7 more sets because I have 4 more junk drawers in my kitchen and 3 more in the bathrooms. Don't judge me people, don't judge me. I know that you probably have a few junk drawers in your house too, right? So you could also use a few of these Rubbermaid organizers as well.

I absolutely love these because it is a simple solution to a problem we all seem to have. I definitely recommend these for your junk drawers. You can visit the Rubbermaid Solution Center and get some tips and solutions to organize your junk drawer. I read this article and it was very helpful.

The people at Rubbermaid have been wonderful and they offered me an extra Junk Drawer Organizer to giveaway to one of you. I think you will love these. So read the rules and enter!! Good Luck!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the Rubbermaid site and come back and tell me what other product you like or want!

Extra Entries

* Join the Rubbermaid Club (1 entry)
* Follow Rubbermaid on Twitter (1 entry)
* Follow Rubbermaid Two on Twitter (1 entry)
* Fan Rubbermaid on Facebook
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Fan The Art of Random Willynillyness Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!

Deadline: Saturday, March 13 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.



Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Kraftmaid Free Idea Book!! Hurry this offer goes FAST!!!!

Hey folks! Kraftmaid offer is up. Get the free book chalk full of great ideas for the kitchen! Just click on the graphic!












Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

WINNERS!! Tillen Farms and Popsicle!!!

Drumroll please. The winners of the Tillen Farms and Popsicle Giveaway chosen by Random.org are:

Tillen Farms: cdziuba
Popsicle: Shannon, Rachelle, Misty, JanetFaye, Pestkaj

Congrats! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Tillen Farms and Popsicle for these great prizes and the opportunity for my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

WINNERS ~ Dentyne Special Edition Canisters!

Drumroll please. The winners of the Dentyne Giveaway chosen by Random.org are:

Cheryl F. aka The Lucky Ladybug!
and
Tabathia

Congrats! I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Dentyne for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

CLOSED ~ TCM's 31 days of Oscar Giveaway


I am not sure exactly why I am such a movie fanatic but ever since I was little I have been. I am also an Academy Awards follower. Maybe it was growing up in Los Angeles that made me such a fan. I love holding Oscar parties and come heck or high water, I am in front of my TV on Oscar night. I never miss them.

I also love old classic films. Let's face it folks, I am addicted to Hollywood. Plain and simple. So when I had the opportunity to host a giveaway for TCM's 31 Days of Oscar, I was all over that. Believe it or not, we watch TCM all the time because you get fantastic films with great commentary all without commercials. It's heaven.

This year, starting February 1, 2010 TCM begins the 31 days of Oscar by showcasing 360 Academy Award®-nominated and winning movies, all presented uncut and
commercial-free.

Just last night I saw A Touch of Mink with my favorite Doris Day and The Tender Trap with Frank Sinatra. I have to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Some Like it Hot. There are so many great movies on until March 7 ~ Oscar Night ~ that I am very excited. You can see the whole schedule on this cool widget:




And in honor of this great event on TCM is giving me the opportunity to give away a TCM Oscar pack that includes popcorn, candy, a martini shaker, coasters and more!! How cool is that? Too cool, so what are you waiting for, enter!!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the 31 days of Oscar site and let me know what movie you are dying to see! **Pick one of the movies that TCM is showing!**

Extra Entries (you know you love these!!)

* Tell me which movie or actor you want to see win this year
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Fan The Art of Random Willynillyness Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!

Deadline: Sunday, March 7 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.




Disclosure: I did not receive product and no other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

CLOSED ~ Progresso “Souper You Debut” Spark Review and Giveaway





Thanks to My Blog Spark and Progresso, I was able to sample some new tasty varieties of Progresso soup. I received a Progresso “Souper You Debut” gift pack that included 15 cans of several different varieties of the Progresso Light and 100 Calorie Soups, as well as a Progresso digital jump rope that keeps track of jumps and calories burned and a Progresso soup mug. I love love love this soup mug!!

This was fantastic for me since I have been on a quest to lose weight. These soups have low calories, reduced sodium and have high fiber so they fit right into my new healthy eating program. And let me tell you that I couldn't tell the difference between some of these soups and regular calorie soups. But I do feel better being able to enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner and not feel guilty of eating too many calories. WOO!

The flavors are delish. I love the French Onion Soup. I added a piece of crusty bread and low cal cheese and it was a perfect snowy day lunch. I was satisfied and it tasted delicious. My favorite is the Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup. I added a few low cal crackers and was totally content. Some new flavors that I hadn't tried but loved were the Beef Pot Roast, Italian Style Meatball and the Chicken Barley.

I would recommend these to anyone losing weight because I think the taste will satisfy you and you will not think you are actually eating "diet" food.

You know what's coming my dear readers, don't you? Yes I have a giveaway but before you enter my giveaway head on over to the Progresso site. Right now you can "Celebrate the New Year and a new you" with Progresso Light and 100 Calorie Soups because from January 4 through March 15th, visit the Progresso Soup site and enter the Progresso “Souper You Debut” contest for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 21st-23rd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in a NYC hotel, a full makeover, a $1,000 wardrobe shopping spree and personal consultation at a New York department store. WOO! I am so entering because god knows I could use this prize.

To enter, you’ll need to do the following:
Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love Progresso Light or 100 Calorie Soups and why you would like a makeover. In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay. Once you enter, you’ll have the chance for your photo and/or an excerpt from your essay to appear on Progresso site. Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou from March 29 through April 12 to vote for your favorite.

In addition, you can go to the Progresso Soup Souper You site and download a coupon for $1 off any three varieties of Progresso Soup! Yippee Skippy!

Here is a picture of what you can win. It is a gift pack that contains the mug, jump rope and two cans of Progresso Soup!! One of my lucky readers will be very happy with this! So follow the rules and enter!


Mandatory Entry

Visit the Progresso Soup Souper You website and come back and tell what new flavors you would like to try or your favorite Progresso soup flavor!

Extra Entries

* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Sunday, March 7 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.



Disclosure: I received the gift pack I mentioned in this review from Progresso Soup through MyBlogSpark for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

First day at Disney

I decided to vlog a rundown rather than write it all. I will do a more comprehensive blog post when I get back home!! Enjoy






Disclosure: I paid for my DIsney trip but we are receiving a great rate and other in=cidentals.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go!


Yes folks, I am off again. This time to an event at Disney World called The Disney Social Media Moms. Yeah, yeah, I am not a mom but like I said before mom-bloggers accept me and this is also a event for bloggers and people involved in social media so that rocks the house.

I cannot wait. The conference will be fantastic because we get to hear some great speakers and learn new things but the best part is I will be at Disney World.

The price was too good to pass up. For $350 I get to go to the conference, get a hotel room at the Polynesian, some meals and a Park Hopper pass. OMG I am so excited!! The $350 also included family members but poor Tom couldn't come and that sucks big balls but at least I will be there.

If you know me, you know I am a total Disneyphile and adore all things Disney. I have loved Disney since I was a child. When we were little growing up in Los Angeles, we went to Disneyland several times a year. We went every time we had visitors from Costa Rica. It was just the place to take them because who doesn't want to go to Disney, right?

As I got older I would still go. I remember me and my friend, Sonia would often be bored on a weekend and we would drive to Disneyland at night around 5 or 6pm when we could get in half price and yet still do 5 or 6 hours just hanging out and riding all the awesome rides. It was such a fun place to go.

When I was in Florida, we would drive up to Orlando a few times a year and hang out at Disney World. I LOVE Disney World. We also went to Universal Studios and that was a ball as well. But Disney World is the best place ever. I can't wait to be there. I arrive (if the weather holds) on the 10th and then it's non-stop until the 13th when I fly back. I will be also be vlogging so keep an eye out. I will certainly vlog about my room to make you all jealous. I am also going to try and vlog at some of the places we go to and characters I meet.

I can't wait to go to the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and just be there walking around and getting on the rides. I can't wait to shop for some cool new Alice in Wonderland souvenirs that I really don't need but want. I can't wait to hang out with some of the great ladies I met at the TypeAMom conference and online. I can't wait to be at Epcot and walk around and see all the different countries. So I will be MIA but if I can get some vlogs up at my personal blog Carolyn in Carolina, then you will be able to follow all my adventures. Yippee!!



Disclosure: I am paying for my trip to Disney but conference attendees are receiving a good rate at the resort as well as park passes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

CLOSED ~ CSN Stores $50 Store Credit Giveaway!!!


I was contacted by CSN Stores to do a review or giveaway for a $50 store credit in one of their stores. Now I know many of you have heard of CSN stores because they do some great reviews and giveaways in the blog world. I first heard about them on a blog giveaway. If you haven't, CSN is an online retailer based in Boston that started out in 2002 with two employees and one online shop. CSN Stores has now become one of the top 3 online US retailers of home and office goods with over 400 employees and 200 online stores. They sell stools, cookware, toys, furniture, rugs and so much more.

So I thought long and hard about what item I might need from their stores. I was given a choice to shop allbarstools.com, moremailboxes.com or cookware.com. Well, I immediately went to cookware.com to peruse their items. A $50 store credit will get you a nice item at any of the CSN stores. So I looked and looked and then realized that I really didn't need anything right now.

Today, the 7th, is my birthday so as a birthday thanks, I decided that I would give one of my readers a chance to win the $50 store credit in honor of my birthday. You know why? Because that's how I roll, folks. I love you guys and I know you love giveaways and free stuff!! So read the rules, enter the giveaway and good luck!!!

Mandatory Entry

Go look around and see what you would like to buy. Maybe a barstool, a mailbox, a waffle maker, some new knives, a kitchen rug or something else. There are so many items to choose from, it's crazy!! Then come back here and let me know what you would buy. I am nosy that way!!

Extra Entries

* Follow CSN Stores on Twitter (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Wednesday, February 24 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.


Saturday, February 6, 2010

V8 Fusion & Blogher Ends 2/9

Okay Peeps, I am getting back in the groove and that means giving you some info on great giveaways. Here is another Blogher giveaway. I have listed the sites you need to visit and enter for a $100 Visa card. YAY! I hope someone out there is winning these!! This one involves V-8 juice - mmmm!! Good Luck!

Mom to the Screaming Masses
Stop, Drop & Blog's
Simplicity in the Suburbs
Life with the Boys
Heavenly Homemakers
Super Healthy Kids'
Picky Palate’s
The Naptime Chef
Quadville

Sprint and Blogher ENDS 2/9

Okay this one is a great Blogher and Sprint giveaway! WOO!! Okay get ready because this one is for a $200!! gift card. SWEET!! So hurry and enter. I am a little behind but you have a few days to enter and tweet! YAY! Good Luck.

Multi-Minding Mom
Beyond Just Mom
Hotfessional
Doobleh-vay
Eat Real
ChildWild
Tales From The Trenches of Parenting
Fabulous at 50




Friday, February 5, 2010

CLOSED!! Bare Escentuals "Rethink What Matters" Foundation Giveaway & Contest

Rethink What Matters invites women nationwide to shake up their foundation and sound off on topics that are more than just skin-deep - from going bare in public to discussing what freedom really feels like.

Born from employees rethinking makeup itself – the beauty brand found looking good is not about using artificial gunk to cover imperfections, but about enhancing what you’ve got. In keeping with their wink-wink approach to marketing (
Love Matte Campaign), Bare Escentuals will be unveiling thought-provoking taglines to help start honest conversations amongst girlfriends about what really matters. For instance, one reads “Rethink Going Bare in Public. BareMineral’s SPF15 Foundation feels completely weightless, but gives you all the flawless coverage you need. Like you are wearing nothing at all.”

Bare Escentuals invites us to give rethinking a try, too. Every week at
RethinkWhatMatters.com, a new discussion topic will be featured with five questions for all to answer, share with their friends and have the chance win free products and other fantastic goodies.
Starting today you can instantly win a which bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. So visit RethinkWhatMatters.com complete the quiz and you will be automatically entered for the grand and runner-up prizes. I know you guys love love love contests and giveaways!! So get to it. Plus, I have a little treat for you as well. I have a bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation for one of you readers! Yippee Skippy! I haven't tried it but have heard good things about it so what are you waiting for? You know the drill.

Mandatory Entry

Visit the RethinkWhatMatters.com website and tell me something you learned.

Extra Entries

* Follow bareEscentuals on Twitter (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Saturday, February 20 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.



Disclosure: I will receive a sample product for posting this giveaway & information. No other compensation was given.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

WINNER ~ SKIN MD Shielding Lotion

Drumroll please. The winner of the Skin MD Shielding Lotion giveaway chosen by Random.org is:


Mommy Kennedy

Congrats you lucky girl! This is one great item!!! I have to say that Mommy Kennedy has won multiple times on my blog and so can you. So do those extra entries folks because they really do work.

I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Skin MD for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

Pillsbury Easy Frost No Fuss Frosting Review!



Okay, when I heard Pillsbury had created a frosting in an aerosol can with a five star tip, I HAD to try it. The new Easy Frost frosting comes in three great flavors: Decadent Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Dream and Velvety Cream Cheese. I love making cakes and cupcakes but I have issues. Basically I can't frost anything without making a mess. My cakes comes out looking freakishly demented and my cupcakes always taste good but look as if they were frosted while I was jumping on a trampoline. I kid you not.

But now I can frost my goodies easily and quickly with this new Pillsbury Easy Frost Frosting. To test it out, I decided to make some cupcakes for Tom's co-workers. It's been cold and gloomy and they deserve a little treat and what better treat than cupcakes, right?

Let me tell you that it was easy peasy to frost these cupcakes. I tried different styles with the tips and if I do say so myself, they look pretty darn good.

I am even submitting one of these photos in the Pillsbury Easy Frost No Fuss Frosting Challenge. From now to February 19th (so hurry) dessert lovers can enter an original photo of a treat they created with this new frosting to win prizes. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a year's supply of No-Fuss Frosting! Four lucky Runner-Up Winners will receive a Gift Basket full of Pillsbury® baking products and a Flip Video™ Ultra Digital Video Camera. Now those are fantastic prizes.

The Challenge is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. years of age or older. Void in AZ, MD, NJ, TN and VT and where prohibited. For more info visit the Pillsbury site.




Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.