The Art of Random Willy-Nillyness: April 2013
Image Map

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Clorox Smart Tube Technology Giveaway!




I recently had the opportunity to try the new Clorox cleaners with the New SMART TUBE® technology. The Smart Tube technology consists of a built in tube that gets all the way to the bottom of the bottle. No longer will you have to tilt the bottle. No more opening the bottle to get every last drop of the cleaning fluid either. The new Smart Tube technology ensures that you get every last drop.

I love the idea of the Smart Tube Technology. There are so many times I have tried to squeeze every bit of the cleaning fluid from the bottles. Usually I make a mess because it spills out or I get frustrated that I am wasting cleaning liquid. I am glad Clorox has figured out how to do this so we as consumers get the full value of what we bought.

I am already a Clorox user and this just makes it so much better. Clorox is fantastic for every day messes. I keep a bottle around the bathroom and kitchen and do lots of touch up during the day. The other day I noticed that the dish rack was nasty and dirty.

Usually I have to put it into the sink and let it soak. I decided to use Clorox cleaner with Bleach to see if it would clean it up without me having to soak it. I sprayed the dish rack with the Clorox and let it sit for a few minutes. Then I took the dish rack to the sink and rinsed it. The dish rack was sparking clean!!

This is why I love Clorox and 409. I have used this brand forever and will continue using it because it really does great helping me clean the house and leaving it clean and disinfected. The Smart Tube technology is just icing on the cake.

The following Clorox products come with the new Smart Tube technology:

* Clorox® Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner
* Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach Foamer
* Clorox® Clean-Up®
* Clorox® Bleach Gel
* Clorox® Kitchen
* Formula 409® (Original, Lemon, Stone & Steel, Glass & Surface, Carpet/Pet)
* Tilex® (Bathroom Cleaner, Mold & Mildew Remover, Mildew Root Penetrator™)

For more information on the Smart Tube technology or Clorox products visit the Clorox Spray Every Drop site.

If you want to win a coupon to try the new Smart Tube technology for yourself, enter here on my blog. I have 4 coupons to give away. I have two for 409 and two for Clorox. That means 4 of you will win!! YAY!!

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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Monday, April 29, 2013

P&G Spring Cleaning Kit Giveaway!!!




I don't know about you but Spring around my house means lots of cleaning. Besides the regular cleaning, I try to do a little more deep cleaning in spring. This means the windows and baseboard have to be done.

I know it's not that green but I like using paper towels to clean because I think it's more sanitary than using other cloths. If I am wiping down a bathroom or counter top with a cloth, I am spreading germs if I keep using it.

So, I try to use paper towels. Of course, I try to get sturdy paper towels so I can wipe an area down without using too many. I have a few brands I use but, mainly, I use Bounty towels because it is a good brand.

Luckily, Bounty has introduced the DuraTowel. The DuraTowel is a new paper towel that offers the strength and resilience of a dishcloth, without all the stowaway germs and "ick" that come along with it. Because of the unique cloth-like embossed design, DuraTowl holds together even when wet and feels and acts just like a dishcloth. This is fantastic! I love that the new Dura Towel is so much stronger.

These towels were fantastic. I used them to clean my kitchen the other day and I used less towels that the regular ones I was using. Even wet, they were strong enough to clean my counter tops and sink. I will definitely buy these again.

I am set for my spring cleaning duty. Along with the Bounty DuraTowel I received a Swiffer duster and refills and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers!

I love all Swiffer products. I use them religiously. I, honestly, don't know what I would do without my Swiffer Wet Jet. I still have the first one I bought when they came out years ago. I love Swiffer Dusters because let's face it folks, I hate cleaning.

So when I find a product that makes my life easier, I will buy and continue using as long as it is made.

I don't know what you do to spring clean but I have a P&G Spring Cleaning Kit for one lucky reader. Who wouldn't want to win this fantastic prize? The P&G Spring Cleaning Kit includes a package of Bounty DuraTowel (2-pack), Febreze Stick & Refresh, Cascade Platinum packs (14-count), Swiffer Duster, Swiffer Duster Re-Fill w/ Gain Scent & Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

YAY!

Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Friday, April 26, 2013

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Review and Giveaway!

One of my go to shops for beautiful clothes is IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel . IGIGI is a store that specializes in plus size clothing. I love it. The clothes is always timeless and classy. The dresses are beautiful and fit beautifully.

It used to be so hard to find plus size clothes that was also fashionable but IGIGI is the place to find that clothes. When I need a dress for a special occasion, I always check there first because I know they will have what I need.

When I was given the opportunity to review one of the IGIGI, I was thrilled. I have a wedding to attend in June and I needed a new dress. Since the reception is in the evening, I wanted to be able to have one day dress for the church wedding and then an evening dress for the reception.

It was a difficult decision but I finally chose the Leigh Plus Size Lace Dress in Red. I loved the lacy dress because the style is so classic that I can wear this dress over and over again for any occasion. Since the dress is sleeveless, I can use it in summer. Since the dress comes with a cute bolero jacket, I can use it any other time as well. I loved that the dress came with a bolero jacket because I like covering up my arms!

The fit is fantastic. The neckline is flattering. The high waist with the stain ribbon make the dress look beautiful. The bottom of the dress is the perfect length. The fabric is beautiful and it has a red underlining and a black lining under the red. The lining is soft and feels great.

I am going to look great at the wedding! Hubby loved the dress as well! That's always a good thing.

All I can say is that if you are a voluptuous curvy lady, you need to go shop at IGIGI. You will be able to find something for any occasion. They carry sizes 12 to 32. So any Rubenesque woman will be able to find something beautiful to wear.

I have a $50 gift certificate towards any IGIGI purchase to giveaway to one of my wonderful readers! If you want to win, just enter on the Raffle copter widget below!

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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Thor: The Dark World Teaser Trailer


Okay, I have to be honest. When the first Thor movie came out, I didn't want to see. I was lukewarm although I am a total superhero geek. He was not one of my favorites. But ultimately, I gave in and put it on our Netflix queue. When the movie came to the house, hubby was not thrilled. 

I told him let's give it a chance. Mainly, because even if the movie wasn't good, I could still watch Chris Hemsworth running around. I love Chris Hemsworth. So we did. We loved it. It was so good!! It was so much better than I expected and, by the end of the movie, I was already thinking about Thor 2. It's almost here!!!

Thor: The Dark World is coming out in November and I cannot wait. I also can't wait to see Thor back in the Avengers 2. I loved Avengers 1. It was one of my favorite movies last year.

Here is a teaser for you. I am so excited!!


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Nutrisystem Nation Week 13 Update! #spon





This week I am happy to report I am still holding steady at 12 pounds. It is expected because I fell off the program a few times. But when I did, I made sure only to eat small portions.

I also am not exercising. I have not been in the mood because of all the meds and not feeling well. Of course, that is also an excuse. I won't lie.

I am finding that I got a little tired of the Nutrisystem food for a while. The past few days, I started looking for my favorite Nutrisystem foods and only eating those. Now, I am not saying there is not a variety of food but I tend to order the same foods and sometimes I get bored especially when I am cooking really delicious meals for my hubby.

It's tough to cook some Cuban picadillo with white rice and beans and then eat Nutrisystem while my hubby chows down on the tasty food.  I give in and although I do not have a full serving like I would have done in the days before Nutrisystem, that probably messes with the calorie count of the program.

Luckily, I am realizing the size of portions I should be having and I think that is why I have not gained any weight even though I cheat. I am hoping this sticks.

I wish I was more motivated to exercise but I can't see to get back in the groove. The good thing is that I ordered 2 new tops from Lane Bryant in the size I always order and they didn't fit! They were too BIG!! I was shocked. I actually went down on top size and I am happy about that.

Here's hoping next week brings a little weight loss!!

Total weight loss to date:  12 pounds!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Smile Brilliant LED Teeth Whitening System Giveaway!



I have a great giveaway for you all. It is a Smile Brilliant Professional Teeth Whitening system. The Smile Brilliant system uses LED technology to whiten your teeth at home. 

The kit includes:

* High intensity Ultra-Blue LED activating light batteries included
* Protective trays for the top & bottom
* Professional whitening gel pen
* 30 Day money back guarantee
* Life-time tray replacement warranty

The gist is you use the whitening pen on your teeth and then place the mouthpiece over your teeth. Then you take the LED activating light and place that in your mouth and turn it on. The LED along with the whitening pen will start whitening your teeth. Pretty nifty, right?

I tried my kit but I am one of the less than 2% of people who are sensitive to the whitening gel. It made my gums hurt so I stopped using it. I am going to try again because I want whiter teeth!

I wish I could use it because my teeth do need a little pick up and I do not want to spend hundreds of dollars trying to get them whiter. I think Smile Brilliant is a good alternative if you cannot afford the expensive treatments. The kit is only $39.95 plus $4.95 shipping. What a great deal.

If you want to try Smile Brilliant, you can purchase a kit on the Smile Brilliant site. Or if you want to try and win a kit of your own, then enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.


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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Procter & Gamble® has teamed up with Dollar General to honor moms as Every Day Heroes



This May, Procter & Gamble has teamed up with Dollar General once again to honor mothers. The Every Day Heroes program honors those who make a difference in the community and who do so much for their family. Using the theme “Moms Rule,” the Dollar General “Every Day Heroes®” campaign will also honor moms by offering great savings for the heroes closest to our hearts.

This year, Maria Segura has been chosen as Dollar General's  Every Day Hero for May 2013. Maria exemplifies the Dollar General Every Day Hero through her commitment to build a better life for her family through literacy and education. Maria was a migrant worker and through The Family Literacy Academy of Immokalee in Florida, she earned her GED and was able to offer her two younger children a better future. Today, Maria is the heart and soul of the program and donates much of her time to visiting families and assisting them with any needs they may have.

That is fantastic. My mother was a immigrant as well and I know how hard it was for her and my father when they moved here from Costa Rica. My mom did so much for us and sacrificed so much so that me and my sister could have a better life. She is my Every Day Hero.

To celebrate our Every Day Heroes, the May P&G brandSAVER® in your local paper on Sunday, April 28 has some special savings for mom and for you. Remember to pick up your Sunday paper because those savings are always amazing. And you can use the coupons at Dollar General for even more savings on everyone’s favorite brands like Venus, Olay, Vidal Sassoon and Secret.

Also, visit the Dollar General Facebook page in May and create a custom “Moms Rule” photo for your own Facebook Cover. There will also be a Twitter Party on May 7. Keep checking the Dollar General Facebook page for more details!

Finally, I also have a wonderful prize pack to give away to one lucky reader to celebrate Dollar General's
Every Day Hero in May. The prize pack includes:

* Venus Embrace Razor
* Secret Outlast Invisible Solid Deodorant
* Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Mega Firm Hold Gel
*  $15 Dollar General Gift Card

If you want to win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes from 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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Stella and Dot Spirit Bracelet Giveaway!!


My friend, Juliet, is a Stella & Dot consultant. She recently mentioned that Stella & Dot is having a wonderful campaign to benefit the HollyRod Foundation.

During the month of April (Autism Awareness Month) Stella & Dot will donate 20% of the retail sales price of each item that is sold from the specially-marked Autism Awareness Collection to the HollyRod Foundation, with a guaranteed minimum of $10,000. The HollyRod Foundation, a charitable services program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism.

That's awesome. If you have not checked out the Stella & Dot items, you should. They have some really cute jewelry. The jewelry is not only cute but it is affordable. Some pieces start at $14 and half of the collection is under $50. There is something for everyone at Stella & Dot.

To help raise money for the HollyRod Foundation Stella & Dot has created an "Autism Awareness" Collection. The collection includes 5 pieces. Besides a jewelry roll, the collection includes 3 necklaces and a beautiful Spirit Bracelet.

The Spirit Bracelet is made with a rich palette of dyed semi-precious beads that are framed in brilliant metallic nuggets. It also has sliding knot closure for adjustable length. The bracelet is adorable, right? Well, thanks to Juliet, I have one of these bracelets to give away to one of my lucky readers. How great is that?

This is a shorty giveaway, so enter soon!! You all know the drill. Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I am helping a friend. No 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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Get Crackin'! Wonderful Pistachios Review and Giveaway!




I am always on the search for snacks especially now that I am dieting. I love having a little something around to stop the munchies. One of my favorite snacks is nuts. I love nuts plus they are full of protein and fiber and it is the perfect snack for the afternoon.

When I received the opportunity to review some Wonderful Pistachios, I was all over it. I received some packets of the 2 new flavors that Wonderful Pistachios have to offer: Sweet Chili and Salt and Pepper.

The are delicious. I am a pistachio lover from way back. I find that pistachios have more flavor than some other nuts and they are also great to use in recipes as well. It was a given I would love these as well.

The Salt & Pepper pistachios are just that, pistachios with salt and pepper. They are salty and flavorful.
My favorite though was the Sweet Chili flavor. The pistachios are spicy and sweet. They are not too spicy but the pistachios do have a punch. If I wasn't dieting, I would have eaten the entire bag in one sitting. They are that good.

The good thing is that Wonderful Pistachios Lightly Salted and No Salt carry the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark, a trusted label for shoppers who are navigating the grocery store looking for heart-healthy products.

I am definitely buying the Sweet Chili pistachios again. I need to have these in my pantry at all times because they make the perfect filling snack I need. If you love pistachios, you will love these two new flavors.

I have a pack of each new flavor for one lucky reader to win! Yay! I know once you try these, you will be hooked like I am. To win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

h.h. gregg and Frigidaire "100 Ways to Organize" Sweepstakes!



The other day, I heard a weird noise coming from our kitchen. I couldn't pin point until I was close to our refrigerator. I opened the the fridge and looked inside. Then I opened the freezer and realized that our ice machine was the reason for the noise.

I think our refrigerator  is on its way to the trash heap of old appliances. I have already been eyeing a few new fridges at h.h. gregg. A few weeks ago, I was at h.h. gregg buying a new laptop and, while there, I found myself in the appliance section of the store.

I always find myself in the appliance center of the store because I am always thinking of replacing my older appliances and remodeling the kitchen. I saw a few refrigerators that would look fantastic in my kitchen. I don't have the money now but I can win a new refrigerator by entering the h.h. gregg and Frigidaire“100 Ways to Organize” Sweepstakes.

From April 12th – April 27th , four winners will be selected to receive a Frigidaire French-Door Refrigerator. I want to win!! Three of the winners will be selected through the register-to-win sweepstakes site and one winner will be selected through the ‘100 Ways to Organize’ game on FacebookiPhone and Android. There will also be daily winners who will win a $100 h.h. gregg gift card.

I am entering everyday because that Frigidaire fridge would be perfect for my home!! You can enter daily and make sure to get the additional entries by playing the game on your phone!!

What are you waiting for? Go enter now!! Good luck but not too much luck because I really want a new fridge!! YAY!


Disclosure: “I participated in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of h.h. gregg. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating”.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Nutrisystem Nation Week 12 Update! #spon





This past week was still a bust. The medicine I was taking and the lack of energy I had have made me lethargic and lazy. Okay, I am always lazy but never lethargic.

My weight is still holding steady. Although I did lose half a pound. It's strange because I am not gaining or losing much. I am wondering why. I am not eating all my Nutrisystem allowed food. That could be the problem. I eat the Nutrisystem food but then do not eat the salad or snacks because I am just not that hungry.

I am hoping this upcoming week is better. I am getting back on the treadmill and starting to eat all the items I am supposed to eat. I am not sure where I read that if you stop eating, you body will adjust to less food. So I think I better try to eat everything.

I am hoping all my illness stuff clears up and that I can get back on track. At least I got on the treadmill and have started exercising even though I am not 100%. I think maybe some exercise will help me heal as well.

I hope next week I lose at least one pound more. Slow and steady!

Total weight loss to date:  12 pounds!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Target Se Hable Musica - Talking Music! #SeHablaMusica

se habla música, target latin music

Content provided by my partner, Target.

I have to say that I hate exercising. I know I have to do it. I know it's good for me. But, I hate it. My exercise routine consists of doing a Leslie Sansone Walking DVD and hopping on the treadmill. My treadmill is my nemesis!

I really hate going on the treadmill and walking because I get bored. I do counter the boredom by listening to music as I walk. I try to have some dance music, Latin music and pop music on my play list to get me through at least 45 minutes of walking.


Here are just some of my play list highlights:

MarcAnthony: Y Hubo Alguien and Nadie Como Ella
Shakira: Ojos Asi, Suerte and Te Aviso, Te Anuncio
Elvis Crespo: Suavemente, Tu Sonrisa and Pintame
Oscar D'leon: Me Voy Pa' Cali
Rey Ruiz: No Me Acostumbro, Mi Media Mitad
Luis Enrique: Amiga, Mi Mundo, San Juan Sin Ti
Gloria Estefan: Mi Tierra, Conga, Oye Mi Canto
Ricky Martin: Maria, She Bangs, Living La Vida Loca and La Bomba
Jennifer Lopez: Waiting for Tonight
Michael Jackson/Jackson 5: ABC, Shake Your Body, Beat It, Thriller, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Earth, Wind and Fire: September
Rick Springfield: Love Somebody, Jessie's Girl, I've Done Everything For You
Will Smith: Gettin' Jiggy With It and Welcome to Miami
David Bowie: Let's Dance and Modern Love

As you see the majority of my play list is Latin music. I love Latin music. Play me some salsa or merengue music and I am ready to go. The reason my play list is so packed with music in Spanish is because it really gets my heart pumping.

When I am feeling tired or not in the mood, I make sure I listen to a little Elvis Crespo or Marc Anthony and I get a second wind and can finish my exercise routine. Put on a little Shakira and I am moving my hips and pretending that I can sing like she can. Yes, it's a stretch! If I didn't have Latin music on my play list, I don't think I would make it through my workout.

Sometimes I have the music a little too loud and my hubby has to come back to the workout room and ask me to turn it down a notch. I try to exercise when he is not home so I can crank up the volume. But when he is home I have to put on headphones.

The headphones I have are not very good so I prefer to pay my music through my treadmill. But now, I am eyeing a new pair of headphones from Target. Target is now selling a new line of headphones from 19-time Grammy award winner, Emilio Estefan in partnership with Monster. The new "The Sound Machine" headphones are sonically-superior headphones are designed with a special flair for reproducing the rich, percussive nature and vocals of Latin and world music.

These are exactly what I need so I can listen to my Latin music and not irritate my husband and the neighbors! I know everyone would appreciate me wearing headphones while exercising on the treadmill!

To celebrate "The Sound Machine" headphones by Emilio Estefan, Target is giving me a $25 Gift Card for one of my lucky readers!! YAY! I know you all love gift cards and what better gift card to win than a Target card, right?

For a chance to win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received a gift card. 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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Money Saving Tips for Busy Moms



I am not a mom but many of my friends are. Like them, I am always on the lookout for money saving tips. It is so easy to lose track of your finances. I find that if I pay with cash or use my debit card, I can forget and when the statement comes in, I have gone over my budget. Sometimes, I need a little help to be ready for those times. Holding onto your cash and using the right credit card is essential.

Here are a few tips for busy moms or anyone!

Make a shopping list each week

Whether you need diaper, toiletries, groceries, why not write everything down? This will give you a good idea of how much you need to spend and help you to work out a sensible budget for the week. A well-thought out list should also stop you from buying the same things twice and could prevent impulse purchases – so long as you’re disciplined.

Look for bargains and deals

Moms, you know children grow fast. They don’t stay in the same clothes for long, so it’s wise to keep their wardrobe inexpensive and simple. To do this, look for deals and bargains online or buy everything you need from friends, relatives, thrift stores or yard sales.

Make the most of apps

Are you getting the most for your money? If you’re not sure, there are many smartphone apps out there to help you out! While Groupon gives users a price break on everything from laser hair removal to weekend breaks away, RedLaser reveals the best place to buy an item after reading its barcode. Apps such as Money Smart, Money Lover, Bill Assistant and Account Tracker will also help you budget across the week and keep an eye on your finances while on the go!

Have low-cost fun with your kids

These days, many families spend a fortune eating out, going to the movies or doing other expensive activities, but you shouldn’t have to max out your bank account or make a credit card application just to supplement your fun. There are plenty of things you can do that won’t cost a lot, so why not go for bike rides, take the kids to the park or try your hand at arts and crafts? You could even cook together, play games or enjoy a night of DVDs, as all these things are relatively kind on your pocket.

These are great tips. I always make a shopping list. If I don't, I find I have 10 cans of tomatoes and 7 boxes of pasta. My friends always find things to do for free around their neighborhood. Check out the local paper for ideas. We all need to be aware of where our money goes.



International Carwash Association presents WaterSavers Campaign + Giveaway!!


Earth Month is here and Earth Day is on April 22! During Earth Month, we should all try to do our best to make simple changes to help keep the Earth healthy.

Being more green and eco-friendly can make a difference. We also try to reduce our carbon footprint but trying to do little things like composting and recycling. We also start our garden this month. Reducing waste is a good way to start as well. Another way to be a good Earth citizen is to conserve water.

WaterSavers is a consumer awareness campaign from the International Carwash Association (ICA). WaterSavers is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly car washes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment.

Here are some simple tips from ICA to help you do your part for Earth Month:
* How to Be Green and Clean Your Driving Machine – Keeping your car clean with regular washing is an important part of responsible maintenance, but washing at home with a garden hose can use more than 60 gallons of water in as little as five minutes. Furthermore, you’re putting harmful chemicals and detergents down storm sewers and that ends up polluting our rivers and streams. 
You may be surprised to learn there is a greener way to keep your car sparkling: a professional car wash. A common misconception is that professional car washes waste water, when in fact the opposite is true. WaterSavers professional car washes, for example, use an average of no more than 40 gallons of fresh water per vehicle – less than the average home washing machine, which uses 41 gallons per load, according to the EPA. Professional car washes also responsibly dispose of — and in many cases recycle and re-use — the water runoff. 
* Go Green and Keep Your Whites White – It’s easy to take steps to conserve H2O and keep your wardrobe fresh. First, only run the clothes washer when you have a full load. Make this habit for both your clothes washer and dishwasher, and you can save up to 1,000 gallons of water a month, according to Wateruseitwisely.com.

You get extra green points if you use cold water when washing your clothes. Approximately 86 percent of the energy used by washing machines is for heating the water. Washing with cold water eliminates 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year from just one household, according to the Sierra Club. 
* Break Bad Bathroom Habits – Bathrooms are water hogs, accounting for about 75 percent of a home’s water usage. Adopting a green mindset in the bathroom can save major water and money. Start by switching to a low-flow showerhead, which National Geographic says saves 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Keep the occasional bath for a special treat because the average tub takes about 70 gallons to fill, so showers are much more efficient.

These are things we can all do to help conserve water and help keep our Earth healthy. I honestly did not know that washing your car at home used so much water. I am glad hubby always takes our cars to a car wash instead.

Making these simple changes is responsible. Just think if everyone changed one or two things in their daily life. It would make a huge difference in our world. Think about it!

To celebrate Earth Month, the ICA has given me a great Prize pack to giveaway to one lucky reader to help him/her on becoming more green! YAY!

The prize pack includes:
* Tote Bag
* Folding Umbrella
* 22 oz. Guzzy Water Bottle (filtering water bottle)
* Jelly Stick Non-Slip Grip for Car Dash
* 16 oz. ThermalView Insulated Travel Tumbler

What a great prize pack. It can be yours. All you have to do is enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips for conserving water. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. I received a sample product for review purposes.   Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Upere Wedge Sneakers Giveaway!


I received these sneakers to review but they did not fit. They are a half size too small. So I decided to give them away since I cannot use them. That's how I roll for my readers!! They are size 8.5 US. And made for skinny feet.

Upere specializes in making fashionable wedge sneakers for women, and also a professional online shop to sell high quality wedge sneakers. They have some very trendy footwear on their site and you should go check it out. They are based in the UK but you can still order from them if you are in the US.

These are pretty cool because they look like regular sneakers but they are actually like heels. Plus, you could wear these with some cute skinny jeans and a cool top and look very fashionable.

You can find Upere on Facebook or Twitter! And if you do want to buy a pair for yourself, you can use the code "UPERE" to get 15% off on our wedge sneakers.

You know the drill peeps. Enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates Review and Giveaway!!





On the Nutrisystem Program I am given desserts. But I know once off the program, I know I will have to find some snacks that will satisfy my sweet tooth, yet be lower in calories. One of those products is Skinny Cow Candy.

I was given samples of the new Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates. I think these are going to be one of my go to low calories sweets when I am off the program. The Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates are just that, chocolate filled with creamy caramel or delicious peanut butter cream.

They are so good. Each pack comes with 3 pieces of chocolates.  They are small but tasty. It is the perfect serving for a snack or dessert. And all three pieces are only 130 calories. That's pretty good because that is about the calories you should be eating for a snack or dessert.


Plus, if you have a sweet tooth like I do then these are perfect. I really liked the caramel Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates the best. The filling was sweet and yummy and it paired well with the chocolate. The peanut butter was delicious too.

I am going to stock up on these because these would make a great addition to my no guilt snacks!! Yummo!


If you want  to try the Skinny Cow Candy Divine Filled Chocolates are available now in your local grocery store. If you want to win a few boxes and a cute Skinny Cow plush, then enter my giveaway. You know the drill, enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!

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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Nutrisystem Nation Week 11 Update! #spon




This has been a wasted week. Because I was taking new medicine, I have been off all week. The medicine made me nauseous and I couldn't eat. Then I started eating stuff I cooked because it was something I could keep down.

No exercise, eating off schedule and just not feeling well blew this week for me. It was a wash. I didn't lose weight, I didn't gain weight.

I am hoping that once I am off the medication and back to my schedule, I will continue losing. I know, I know excuses but oh well. Life happens.

Total weight loss to date:  11.5 pounds!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Personal Creations ~ Give Mom a Personalized Gift this Mother's Day!


When I was asked to review items from Personal Creations, I wish I could have bought my mom a special gift. She lives in Costa Rica though so it is tough to ship items to her. Luckily, my sister lives there too and she will take her out to dinner on my behalf.

The good part is that meant I was going to be able to find and item or two or three for me on the Personal Creations site!

When I started looking around the site, I found the site had so many cute items that I couldn't decide what to buy. Luckily, the site is easy to navigate and all I had to do is decide what type of items I wanted.

The site is divided up into seasonal gifts, gifts for her, gifts for him, baby gifts, gifts for the home and so many more. I decided to to see what the home category offered. I immediately headed over to the kitchen section because I love kitchen items.

I found so many wonderful items but, in the end, I chose three items that were perfect for my kitchen. I bought a wonderful little Vintage Metal Sign that says "Carolyn's Diner". I also decided on a new personalized pepper mill since mine broke a few weeks ago. My last item was a wonderful wooden cutting board that is also personalized.

All the items are fantastic. Ordering from the site was easy. My items also arrived super duper fast. I really appreciated that since my items had to be personalized and, yet, the order was fulfilled in a reasonable amount of time.

Ordering at Personal Creations was easy. The site also makes personalizing any item easy as well. The ordering form lets you know how many characters you can use. You can also choose not to have the item personalized.

I believe personalized gifts are so much more special than other other gifts.
With Mother's Day coming up, Personal Creations can surely help you find a great gift for mom. And, actually, Personal Creations will help you find a great gift for any occasion and anyone on your list.

Before you place your order, remember to check out the coupon codes available. I saved 30% on my order!! I love that Personal Creations gives you the opportunity to save on your orders!

Check out Personal Creations for your Mother's Day shopping!! I know mom would love something special just for her!


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.