The Art of Random Willy-Nillyness: September 2012
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Health Medical Benefits Open Enrollment - Aflac Gives You Some Important Information





Every year around this time, the HR manager at work sends out the obligatory paperwork for the Open Enrollment for our health benefits. Because I hate paperwork and usually don't like reading a bunch of gibber jabber, I always stay with the same plan I have.


Wrong move.

After reading the information provided to me by Aflac, I realized that I should have and should be taking a more proactive role in my health benefit choices. Who knew? I am making some of the most common mistakes a lot of people seem to making. Look at the info below:
The Open Enrollment Survey found that consumers are on auto pilot when it comes to the benefits selection process and aren't even aware of the options they have. Reported mistakes of American workers include:
  • More than 6-in-10 consumers (61 percent) are only sometimes or not at all aware of changes to their policies each year.
  • 89 percent say they simply elect the same benefits options every year.
  • Almost half (47 percent) rarely or never exceed deductible costs.
  • Only 16 percent contribute the right amount to flexible spending accounts.
These are the exact mistakes I make. I never bother to see if my plan has increased the in-network deductibles, emergency room co-payments and prescription drug co-payment. I just assumed that everything was the same. I don't find this out until I go to the doctor and realize I am paying $30 instead of $25 for the visit.

I realize that I needed to make better decisions this fall when we receive our health benefits open enrollment forms. I am going to be a little more aware. Our HR person does other jobs so she does not always know how to answer some questions. It is not her fault. It is hard keeping up with all the changes and paperwork. So this year, it will become my responsibility to take control.

After reading the information, I realized that I had my deductible too high. Last year, I got sick and reached it but in years before and this year, I might not exceed my deductible costs. I also realized that I could change my plan into a felxible spending plan and that might be a better deal for me.

Check out this Infographic that breaks down how much money people are losing by not taking the time to read and learn about their health insurance.  I also learned that I have to definitely look into supplemental insurance needs as I get older.

Last year, I had so many tests done and so many doctor's visits that I had a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. Luckily, the tests showed I was in pretty good health but, if I had been diagnosed with something serious, I cannot imagine how much more money I would have needed to cover my bills.

Supplemental insurance is something that I am going to research after reading the materials provided to my by Aflac.  It can come in handy if an illness comes on and your own insurance does not cover it. Boy, I realized that I really need to start more control of my insurance decisions. I am wasting money by not doing so and that is just foolish.

So come this fall, I am going to sit down and make sure I make the best decisions possible. I encourage every one to do this as well. With the economy the way it is, every penny counts!



Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Aflac and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Monday, September 24, 2012

Colgate Optic White and Softsoap Citrus Splash Berry Fusion Giveaway!!


I recently had the opportunity to try two new products: Softsoap Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion and Colgate Optic White toothpaste.

I am all about Softsoap. I have SoftSoap in all my bathrooms and kitchens because I love the product. I was excited to learn that SoftSoap now has bath products.

I usually use just soap when bathing but every once in a while I love using body wash because it makes me feel pampered. The new Softsoap Citrus Splash Berry Fusion contains moisture beads suspended in the body wash. So when you use it, the beads pop and leave your skin feeling smooth and silky.

After using the body wash, my skin felt smooth and moisturized. The smell is fantastic as well. It smells like berries. This body wash will come in handy as fall and winter approach. If you are a body wash fan, I think you will enjoy it!

The other product I tried was the Colgate Optic White toothpaste. It is supposed to whiten your teeth within a week. I still have to use it a little more to see the effects but I love the taste. And I love the fact that I can get whiter teeth without spending a lot of money on getting my teeth whitened.

Since I am all about keeping my teeth and mouth healthy, I am always looking for products that allow me to keep up my dental hygiene. The Colgate Optic White toothbrush was a great companion to the toothpaste because it helps whiten your teeth as well.

The toothbrush has special polishing bristles to help with the whitening process. Plus, I liked that it allowed me to reach the back of my mouth and felt like it really cleaned my teeth and left my mouth fresh as well.

Both the Softsoap Body Wash and the Colgate Optic White products were pretty good in my opinion. If you would like to try these new products, I have a wonderful prize pack for one lucky reader. You can win two of each products just by entering on the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

P&G, Gilette and Dollar General team up for great deals + Giveaway! (2 winners)


Be sure to check out the September and October P&G brandSAVER® because they feature some great deals on Gillette products. All these deals all available at your local Dollar General store. You can also use P&G coupons at Dollar General.

The September P&G brandSAVER® is offering some great deals:
* Buy any Gillette system or disposable and get $5 off a Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor
* Buy any Gillette system or disposable and get a MACH3 Razor FREE
* $3 off any Gillette male disposable

Also check out this great Shaving Tips Video with Marcus Geeter


I know at my house, we love Gillette razors for men and women. They work well and are a quality brand. And Dollar General is such a great place to find deals. If you use the P&G coupons, think of all the money you can save. I am all about saving money!

P&G will be hosting a #GNO Twitter Party with Mom It Forward on Tuesday, September 25th. Join them and you will receive great shaving tips and pet peeves. You will also learn about some of the great Gillette products you can find at Dollar General.

Thanks to P&G, Gillette and Dollar General, I have two fantastic prize packs for 2 readers! The Prize Pack includes:  a Gillette MACH3 Razor, Simply Venus Disposable Razors (4 pack) and a $20 Dollar General Gift Card! Awesome. Let me tell you, $20 at Dollar General goes a long way.

Just enter below on the Rafflecopter widget to win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Asurion Saves You From Mobile Mishaps #asurionsaves

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A few years ago I bought my first smartphone. I was so excited that I finally had a new shiny phone that would allow me to access the internet, take pictures, tweet and read my emails wherever I was.

It worked really well and I was loving my new phone. All was going well until one day after work. I was leaving work after a long day. I was carrying my tote bag, my laptop bag with my laptop in it and handful of important letters that I had to get out that day.

As I was opening the door to my car, the tote bag got snagged with the laptop bag and the strap came off of my shoulder and spilled the contents of the my tote. My lunch bag fell out. My water bottle fell on the and cracked. My wallet fell out and my new phone also fell out of the bag and crashed onto the hard concrete parking lot.

The phone was not dead but it was also cracked. It was pretty sad. I could use the phone but could barely see the screen. Suffice it to say, I had to get rid of the phone and get a new one. It was one of those times when I wished I had some protection for my phone. I learned my lesson.

Now, you can get protection for your cellphone/smartphone through Asurion. Asurion helps you make sure your devices are protected. Asurion’s mobile apps are filled with features to protect your privacy and safeguard your personal contacts, photos, and videos. It gives you control over which apps can access phone contents and capabilities, and helps you locate and secure your smartphone if it goes missing.

Asurion’s apps are available at no additional charge with the purchase of handset protection. With a compatible phone, you can download the app from your phone’s app market upon enrolling in insurance.

The complete Asurion protection package, available through most wireless carriers, provides consumers with:
* Software that protects mobile data against the growing number of cell phone/smartphone threats and helps them locate a lost or stolen phone and
* A replacement device, usually overnight, in the event the phone is lost, damaged (even water damaged)or stolen

Here are the features:


That is such a great deal! I know I could have used this a few years ago. I will never be unprotected again. So if you want to keep your devices safe, you should check out Asurion.



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Disclosure: I received compensation for posting. Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Asurion. All opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Yoplait Light and Yoplait Greek 100 Review & Giveaway! #myblogspark



Weight loss is something that is always on my mind. I have to lose weight to maintain my health. I have been working at it slowly and it works. In the past few months, I have lost 10 pounds. But there is still a long way to go.

One of the foods I have been eating more of is yogurt because it works well as a breakfast food or a quick snack. I am excited because Yoplait Light and Yoplait Greek 100 now offer 20 Delicious Flavors for only 2 Weight Watchers® PointsPlus®value each!

Yogurt is a delicious alternative to other snacks that might not be good for you. It is also the only yogurt endorsed by Weight Watchers®.  While not on the WW plan, I sort of follow their plan when it comes to low point foods.

I have eaten tons of the Yoplait Light yogurt but had not tried the Yoplait Greek 100. I went to the store and bought some of the Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry yogurt. Let me tell you, it was delicious. It was creamy and sweet. Yet, it had a tart undertone because Greek yogurt is a little different than regular yogurt. I also liked it because it feels like it is more filling. Yummy!


I have a great prize for one lucky reader. MyBlogSpark and Yoplait are offering a prize pack that includes: * Yoplait Light VIP coupon * Yoplait Greek 100 VIP coupon * Yoga ball * Water bottle * Work-out towel

What better way to help you start a weight loss plan than this? If you want to win, then enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Say Hello to Better! U.S. Cellular introduces the Hello Better Program. #HelloBetter




At the moment, I am very satisfied with my mobile phone service. But that has not always been the case. A couple of years ago I had a Blackberry and was under contract from a huge wireless phone provider. It was not pretty.

It was virtually impossible to get a signal at my house. It was so frustrating because my phone would ring and I would literally have to walk out to my driveway and side yard to find a signal.

When I tried to get rid of the service, I was going to be charged an arm and a leg. The people in customer service were rude and never could help me.

I remember calling once and being redirected to Blackberry. Blackberry had nothing to do with the service and sent me back to my carrier. This happened at least four times before I decided to go on Twitter and tweet my problem. That got their attention.


I am sure many of you have had the same experiences.  If you are in the same situation I was in a few years ago, you might want to consider the U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular is introducing the Hello Better campaign. The Hello Better campaign is a way for unhappy customers to say goodbye to dysfunctional wireless relationships and hello to a better experience.

Goodbye neglect, hello respect.

U.S. Cellular is all about making your experience with mobile phones simpler and easier. They treat you like a customer not just a number.  U.S. Cellular offers its customers unique benefits such as a points based rewards program, no contract after contract ends, free incoming calls and texts and free overage Protection!

U.S. Cellular has plenty of plans that will suit your needs. From unlimited plans to family plans. If you need any type of service, U.S. Cellular offers it!

So it you are having issues with your current carrier, you might want to check out U.S. Cellular because they might have a plan that is much better. Remember, say goodbye to bad service and say hello to better!



Disclosure: I participated in this sponsored post campaign for One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Lincoln the Movie ~ Trailer


Yes, I am sharing a lot of movie stuff this week. But being a Movie Geek, I have to do it.

Today it is Lincoln. Yes, Lincoln.

I cannot wait for this movie to come out. I know it's weird to say but I am a history geek! I love watching historical and biographical films! And Lincoln is one of my favorite presidents. He was a complex man who changed this country.

When I first saw the Lincoln poster I was struck at how much Daniel Day Lewis morphed into Lincoln. It is amazing. I am also excited to see Sally Field in this movie. She is one of my favorite actors. I love her!!

After watching the trailer I am more excited than ever to see the movie. WOO! Here is official trailer for Lincoln!



LINCOLN arrives in theaters November 9th (Limited) and Nationwide November 16th!

 “Like” LINCOLN on Facebook and Twitter.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Wreck It Ralph Trailer!

When I saw the trailer for "Wreck It Ralph" a few months ago at the movies, I was hooked. This movie looks so cute. I cannot wait to see it! I wish it was coming out sooner than November but I can wait since it is a movie I am dying to see!

Here is the trailer for Wreck It Ralph, enjoy!



You can also win by entering the Play & Win Sweepstakes! Complete missions, earn coins, and get the chance to win a hero's journey from Adventures by Disney.

Wreck-It Ralph smashes into theaters everywhere on November 2nd! WOOOOOO!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Frito Lay Ultimate Tailgating Kit Giveaway!

It's football season and with football comes tailgating! There is nothing better than grilling during football season. Even when the weather turns cold, tailgating is fun!

What better way to celebrate football season than tailgating with Frito-Lay products?  I know that when it comes to tailgating or even picnics or parties, Frito Lay products are always around. We love tailgating and having football parties at home! I have a few fun recipes that I make. And I always have chips and dips. My parties always feature Frito Lay products! 

I am always looking for new tailgating recipes as well. That's why I love visiting the Frito Lay site because they have tons. The Frito Lay site even has their own chefs, Frito-Lay Kitchen Kings Executive Chef Stephen Kalil and Chef Jody Denton, who will share their favorite tailgating tips that will send your fall football fiestas right into the end zone.


Check out these great tailgating tips from Chef Denton! They are wonderful and will help out your tailgating party! Woo!



To enter the giveaway, you need to give me a tailgating tip or your favorite tailgating recipe. Here are just a sample of the types of tips you can give me:
• How to grill with skill
• How to save time on game day, safe prep, transport. Storage and quick clean up!
• Meals for all weather conditions
• Items you can’t leave home without!
• Recipes for the Ultimate Football Feast


And thanks to Frito Lay, I have a wonderful Ultimate Tailgating Kit to give to one lucky winner. You could win a similar prize pack to mine. Included in the prize pack were:
* 5 Large bag of Chips
* 5 Coupons for Dips
* 18 Piece Mr BBQ Grilling Set
* Grilling Lighter
* Football

Who wouldn't want this? Think of all the great tailgating you could do with this kit! My pack included Loaded Baked Potato Chips, Ruffle, BBQ Chips, Smokehouse BBQ and BLT chips. Can I tell you that these flavors were out of this world!!My new favorite chips are the Smokehouse BBQ!

If you want a chance to win this prize pack, just enter below on the Rafflecopter widget!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Write to Win For Your School with Dollar General and P&G + GIVEAWAY!


Throughout the month of September, Proctor & Gamble and Dollar General are celebrating teachers during the Every Day Heroes campaign.

I have written about the Every Day Heroes campaign and it is such a wonderful effort to honor people in our life who make a difference. Since it is September and it is Back to School time, it is the perfect time to honor teachers.

Now you can honor your school by entering the Dollar General "Write to Win" sweepstakes. To enter, customer over 21 can go to the Dollar General site and write a brief essay. Tell Dollar General why your school deserves to win and you might win $10,000 for your school! 

I work for a school and I entered because as the school fundraiser, I know that every little bit helps! Three essays will be selected and the winning schools mentioned in those essays will win $10,000 each. 

This is such a great campaign. It is also a wonderful way for you to raise money for your children's school. I urge you to enter because $10,000 can make a huge difference in the lives of the children!

I also have a special treat for one lucky reader. P&G has generously donated a prize pack that one of you will win! YAY!

You can will this:
Tide PODS
Prilosec OTC
Cascade Action Pacs
Ultra Downy
Scope Outlast mouthwash
Dollar General cosmetic bag
Dollar General reusable sandwich container



Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes by P&G. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Johnson & Johnson "Entre Tu Y Yo" Campaign and Giveaway! Part 2

As I said before, I was chosen to be a Brand Ambassador for the Johnson & Johnson "Entre Tu Y Yo" campaign.
Entre Tú y Yo, is a program hosted by lifestyle expert Andrea Minski, that provides relevant tips and resources to help today’s Latina manage her modern, busy schedule while finding balance at home with family and herself. Powered by Johnson and Johnson Family of Consumer Companies and Telemundo, Entre Tú y Yo helps foster real conversations among Latinas on everything from beauty to oral health, nutrition, relationships and entertainment.To join the conversation with Andrea visit Entre Tú y Yo’s Facebook page

As part of the campaign, I am receiving various Johnson & Johnson products to review. I am loving the products.

My favorite so far is the Aveeno Nourish + Strengthen Shampoo and Conditioner. I have crazy hair. It is thick and a little wavy. In summer it gets frizzy and unmanageable.

In the wintertime, it get flat and lifeless. Sure there are times when it looks fantastic and times when I don't even have to touch it and it looks great. But more often than not, I have to make sure I use the right products on my hair to keep it under control.

My hair is also color-treated so it has some damage on the ends. I am always looking for products that will help me get that under control.

The Aveeno products are wonderful. They have helped my hair feel and look a lot healthier.

They smell great too. Best of all they leave my hair feeling clean and fresh. The shampoo is thick and lathers up really well. The conditioner is actually a little thinner than most conditioners and that helps my hair because it does not weigh it down or leave it looking greasy like some conditioners do. Neither product leaves my hair feeling filmy.

Both products also leave my hair silky smooth and, best of all, manageable. My hair tangles easily but I had no problem brushing out my hair even when wet. Even after blow drying my hair, it looks good. Usually my hair gets dry and brittle but it seems to be holding up a lot better now. My hair feels moisturized and healthy.

Let me tell you, I am pretty picky about my hair products. Because of my hair texture, I have to be. I really like the Aveeno Nourish + Strengthen Shampoo and Conditioner and it has become my staple now. I will continue using this product until something better comes along. But it might be hard to find something better.

The price is right too. Both the shampoo and conditioner retail for $6.99, which is a great price for a product that works well to make your hair look great.

As part of my ambassadorship, I also have another great giveaway for my loyal readers. WOO! One reader will receive a box filled with wonderful Johnson & Johnson products! Here is a picture of what you might receive. Some of the products might change but the box is valued at $100. YAY!

Remember if you do not win this giveaway, I will have 2 more in the coming months! To enter to win this month's giveaway just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: These products were sent to me as part of the Latino & Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Collective and Johnson & Johnson Entre Tu Y Yo campaign. The opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.