Sony Reader Winner

Thank you to everyone who left a comment about a literary moment that moved you. I enjoyed reading all the comments. In fact, some of your comments moved me! And I've acquired a nice "must read" list from you as well. Thank you! But alas, I could only choose one comment to win the Sony Reader. So, without further ado, here is the winner of the Sony Reader...


Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:359


Shannon said...
I love to read, but now that I have kids most of my reading is to them. One of my favorite books that is written as a kids book but touches a parents heart is "Let Me Hold You Longer." By Karen Kingsbury. It talks about how as parents we make such a big deal about "First's" but how "last" events go unnoticed, the last bottle, last time you carry your child, the last time you have to give them kisses in the night, etc. It's a serious tear-jerker. I love it!

Congratulations! Please email me at mom2my6pack@aol.com with your shipping address so I can send you your Sony Reader! I hope you enjoy it!

Kraft Winners

The winners of the Kraft basket o' goodies are.......

April M said...
I would be thrilled to see Kraft provide more gluten free recipes. Some of their products are naturally gluten free and it would be great to find some easy recipes for those of us who can't eat gluten (wheat, barley and rye).

Cropaddict said...
I love how they are so helpful on the facebook page answering questions. I also like the ease of getting to the recipes on the website.

Congratulations! Email me at mom2my6pack@aol.com with your shipping address so I can make sure these are sent out to you right away.

And thank you to everyone for your helpful feedback and suggestions!

Words Move Me

Words Move Me. That's the name of Sony's new literature community - WordsMoveMe.com. There, you can share with others your favorite pieces of literature and what impact they had on you; how they moved you. I was all set to share some of my favorite parts of classic books, but when I tried to recall specific works that moved me, my mind went blank. Gone were the discussions about books I'd read in high school, Farenheit 451, The Great Gatsby, Catcher in the Rye, Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, and A Tale of Two Cities. I couldn't begin to tell you what The Grapes of Wrath or Of Mice and Men was about. (Hey, I have 6 kids and they really have drained my memory stores.)

I did, however come up with a few quotes that have stuck with me. Yes, they're mostly from humor books. What can I say? I like to laugh. I don't like to read anything too deep or anything that takes too much brain power. I like light, quick reads, romances, and humor these days. I mean, when you have to put the book down 4000 times (during the first paragraph alone) to fill sippy cups, pick kids up from kindergarten, break up fights over crayons, and clean up spilled apple juice, you don't want to have to go back through a tutorial on who's who and what's going just to pick up where you left off.

Oh, who am I kidding? I mostly just read classics like One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie these days.



Ready for the really cool part? I have one Sony Reader Pocket Edition ($199.99 value) to give away to one lucky reader. I like actual books. I like the smell of books. I like the feel of them. I like to turn the pages one by one. I don't think anything will ever replace that, but I have to admit, this thing is pretty cool. It's small like a cell phone, but it holds up to 350 books! This would be awesome for travel, commuting, or just for around the house. Whenever I pick up my kids from school, I sit there in the parking lot, playing solitaire on my phone while I wait for them to come out. How great would it be to pull out this Sony Reader and dive into a good book?

To enter the contest, leave me a comment here with a literary moment that moved you and why. Did it make you think, smile, laugh, cry? Did it make you angry, happy, sad? Tell me about it and I'll choose a winner from your comments on Friday, December 18. And check out WordsMoveMe.com to see what others have to say about words that have moved them. You might even get some good ideas for books to read!

Contest open to U.S. residents. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Odds of winning are not increased by a purchase.

* Sony has empowered me to participate in this campaign and I have been compensated with a Sony Reader Pocket Edition.

It's a Jungle in Here!

How to keep your kids' brains from turning to mush (and retain your sanity) during winter break...

1. Take trips to the library to get books for your children of all ages. Keep them interested and learning even when they're not in school. Quiet reading time is a great way to help kids settle down and get ready for bed in the evening.

2. Family movie night! Rent or check out from your local library, a new movie or an old classic to watch together as a family. Make some popcorn, sit back and enjoy!

3. Play a game together! There are a bazillion fun board games out there. Have a Monopoly, Clue, Taboo, or Pictureka night! If you don't like board games, try your hand at Rock Band for Wii, PlayStation or XBox. For younger kids, check out VTech's V Motion for video game fun!

4. Keep active! There's nothing worse than a bunch of kids stuck indoors because the weather outside is frightful. Load up the kids and take them to the bowling alley, the skating rink, indoor rock climbing, or an indoor play place.

Younger kids can keep active with VTech's new line of Jungle Gym toys. You may have seen them in stores while Christmas shopping. These are awesome and I wish they made them for older kids as well. Think about it - this time of year when the kids are cooped up inside because it's too cold and snowy to go out and play (unless you're fortunate enough to live in a land of sunshine), kids can make you bonkers. They need an outlet for their boundless energy or they'll explode. VTech's Jungle Gym toys are perfect for that! Your little ball of energy toddler can pedal away on the Ride and Learn Giraffe Bike and not only will he expend some energy, but he'll get healthy exercise too. And because this is not just a bike, but a learning toy, he'll have fun learning letters and counting animals while he does it.

VTech gave me a huge box of Jungle Gym toys to donate to my church's nursery. I brought them in 2 weeks ago and the kids in the nursery had a blast playing with them. I wanted to take pictures to show you, but of course, I forgot my camera. Ugh. Then, last week I set my camera out so I wouldn't forget it. I overslept and missed church altogether. Grrr. So, you'll just have to take my word for it that toddlers love these toys! Toddlers are, by definition, active, and these Jungle Gym toys combine physical activity, learning, and fun. You just can't beat that combination.

In addition to the Ride and Learn Giraffe Bike, there's an adorable Bouncing Colors Turtle, a Monkey Moves Smart Seat, and Twist and Learn Gorilla Pals that will keep your little ones, interested, engaged, learning, exercising, and having fun while doing it! You can check out the whole line of Jungle Gym toys HERE. And if you're on Facebook, you have to check out VTech's fan page HERE! There, you can find information about deals, giveaways, and sales on the latest VTech toys!

You can check in with the other VTech Voices (MommyMandy, the VTech Mom, Pilar Clark) to get their tips on how to survive the holidays too.

* I am being compensated for working with VTech on some promotions and did receive Jungle Gym toys to donate to my church, however, as always, I only give my honest opinions on products I review.

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Kraft Goody Basket

Do you see all the goodies in this basket? Mmmm marshmallows! And marshmallows are fat-free, you know, so you can eat an entire bag a lot of them without feeling too guilty.

OK, for those of you who saw how I cook a turkey (SEE HERE), you know that I can use all the help I can get when it comes to holiday entertaining. Kraft to the rescue! They've relaunched their Facebook fan page, an interactive place to share recipes and tips with other folks. You can find exclusive Kraft recipes, holiday ideas, and even scheduled Facebook chats with the experts from the Kraft kitchens! You can find their Facebook page HERE.

Not a fan of Facebook? No problem. Kraft also has a YouTube channel! This is perfect for us visual learners who would rather see a video demonstration than just read a recipe. You can find their YouTube channel HERE.

Don't have time for that? Still no problem. You can just follow Kraft on Twitter for the latest recipes and ideas! You can find their Twitter page HERE.

Sooo, check them out and let me know what you're most interested in hearing about. Want more recipes? More how-to's on the YouTube channel? More coupons, easy dinner recipes, kid pleasing faves? What do you LIKE about the pages? What do you not like? Let me know in the comments section here. I'll choose 2 random winners from the comments on Wednesday, December 16 and they'll each receive a gift basket full of the following goodies...

* 4 delicious holiday recipes from the Kraft Foods Kitchens
* a Zak Designs garlic peeler
* an HA Mack olivewood mixing spoon
* NEW Velveeta Rotini and Cheese Whole Grain
* Planters cocktail peanuts
* Planters pecans
* Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate
* Stove Top,
* Honey Maid cinnamon crackers
* Jet Puffed marshmallows
* Oreos,
* Kraft salad dressing
* NEW Maxwell House Blend coffee
* NEW Ritz Brown Sugar Cinnamon crackers
* NEW Wheat Thins Flatbread crackers

Oh yeah! And don't forget to click HERE and send our your FREE holiday greeting ecards! For every greeting you send, Kraft will donate 10 meals to Feeding America!

*I did not receive any compensation or products for this post.

Band-Aid & Neo To Go Winners

Here are the random winners of the waterproof Band-Aids/NeoTo Go sets! Thank to you everyone who left a comment!




Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

51
98
35
12
8



51Anonymous said... Would love to try the Neosporin spray! And one can never have too many Band-aids!! SPepper22

98Kymy K said...
Now that my twins are 2 & it's summer I have been meaning to get something like this for the car. Too bad every time I stop in the band-aid isle they start screaming at each other, me & any passersby because the cart stopped & I say screw it!


35The Bear and The Bug said...
Would so love to win these! My daughter calls Band-Aids "boo boos." I think we used half a box the other day on my son's invisible boo boos.


12Tina said...
I have 4 kids in the 4 and under age range. Read: bandaids are still magical healers in my house! Thanks for the opportunity!


8The Cohen's said...
Nice, what mom doesn't need this for their toddlers and older kids?! :)



Email me at mom2my6pack@aol.com with your shipping address. :)

I Am Stuck on Band-Aid...

I remember, back when I only had 2 or 3 kids, taking them to the doctor for their check-ups. As they sat there, their little legs dangling over the side of the table, I noticed their shins were covered in bruises and scrapes. "Great, the doctor is going to think I beat you guys," I remember muttering to myself. Instead, the doctor came in and reassured me they were normal. He went on to tell me it was the kids with no bruises on their legs that he worried about because they likely sat around watching tv all day instead of going outside to play and get scrapes.

So, I'm here to tell you that scrapes and scratches are part of childhood. When you have stupid adventurous kids like mine, bruises and scrapes abound! See exhibit A...



That's why I always have a supply of Band-Aids on hand. They come in handy when my older boys think up idiotic things to try and they're invaluable when the little kids come to me with invisible owies that need Band-Aids. Somehow, putting a Sponge Bob Band-Aid on a tiny microscopic scratch makes it all better! Not to mention, the time I use the Band-Aids on actual cuts and scrapes that need covered. And especially during the summer, when the kids are out getting dirty every day, their owies definitely need to be covered. Seriously, it amazes me how dirty my kids get in the summer. I think they're getting tan until they take a shower and their "tans" wash off.

Band-Aid has a new product that is waterproof (a MUST when you spend several days a week at the pool!) and has antibiotic ointment right on the pad. These help prevent infection and heal boo-boos faster than regular bandages.

Another product I have to keep on hand especially in the summer, is Neo To Go. It's a small spray container of Neosporin that's convenient to take along in your purse, diaper bag, or tote bag of necessities for the beach, pool, zoo, park, etc. My kids love it because it doesn't sting. I love it because, when we're out and the kids get hurt, there isn't always soap and water around, and this kills germs to help prevent infection.

Johnson & Johnson has 5 sets of waterproof Band-Aids plus antibiotic ointment AND Neo To Go to give away to 5 readers. Just leave me a comment here and I'll choose 5 random winners on Thursday, July 9. Contest open to U.S. residents only. You must check back here Friday to see if you won and you have 3 days to email me with your shipping address. Good luck!

Baby Einstein Winner!

The winner of the Baby Einstein products is...

Number 86!

86The Mommy said...
Baby #4 (referred to as the Little One on my blog - and as the Last One by my DH) would certainly appreciate this!

Congratulations! Please email me at mom2my6pack@aol.com with your shipping address. Thank you to everyone for checking out these cool DVDs and toys from Baby Einstein!

Attention Fans of Lands' End

I've done several giveaways for Lands' End because I really love their products and enjoy passing them onto my readers. Now I'm letting you know that Lands' End is on Facebook! You can become a fan HERE.

Click the link now. I'll wait. Really, you need to become a fan right away because Lands' End will be counting down the days (June 30th to July 4th) to the 4th of July with special giveaways. All you have to do is become a Lands’ End Facebook Fan and then you can enter the contest via an entry form on Lands’ End’s wall. Each day Lands’ End will randomly select fans to win great summer items.

Day 1: Vertical Stripe Rugby Towel

Day 2: Stadium Blanket

Day 3: Soft Side Cooler

Day 4: American Flag

Day 5: Open Top Natural Tote with American Flag Embroidery

Baby Einstein

As some of you might recall, I got to visit the Baby Einstein headquarters in CA this past winter. I learned about the Baby Einstein DVDs and toys and how the company was started by a stay-at-home mom in her basement. (I love that part!)

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the Baby Einstein videos and have probably enjoyed them with your little ones and/or put baby in front of one so you could take 20 minutes to shower and change the clothes you've been wearing for 2 and 1/2 days. But did you know that some Baby Einstein videos now include a "Grow with Your Baby" feature. The Grow with Me mode offers a second viewing option on the same DVD. It contains spoken words and additional content to entertain toddlers and prolong the life of the DVD.

It also features the new "Select a Segment" option which gives parents the choice of viewing shorter segments of the DVD. You know, when it's almost bedtime and the kids are begging for a video. You want them to be able to sit down, settle down, and enjoy their DVD, but you don't want them staying up to finish the whole thing. This is perfect! Just play a segment for them! They get to enjoy their video and you get to say, "All done! Time for bed!" without them saying, "Huh uh, it's not done. See? There's still more, Mommy!"

These new features are both included on Baby Einstein's World Music DVD. The World Music DVD introduces your little one to the beautiful sounds of music and different cultures from around the world. From the African djembe to a Celtic harp from Ireland, you and your baby will delight in the sounds and rhythms of Baby Einstein's World Music.

And I have a Baby Einstein care package to give away to one random winner! It includes the World Music DVD, a Sweet Dreams Mimi board book, a Playtex sippy cup, a Playtex divided dish (both featuring Baby Einstein designs), and a Baby Einstein Teeth and Tug Pal. Just leave me a comment here and I'll choose a random winner on Wednesday, June, 24. Good luck!

Whimsy Rings

I have a love of jewelry. I especially like unique pieces like the vintage button ring my friend Lotta gave me at BlogHer last year. Check them out HERE. And, of course, the macaroni necklaces my kids have made me over the years. And I adore these rings from Whimsy Worldwide. These rings are so unique and fun! They showcase the totally popular, collectible Trollbeads, Pandora and Chamilia glass beads. You can change the beads to match your outfit or mood. If you have a Pandora (or similar) bracelet, you already have an array of beads that fit into this ring. You can have fun switching them whenever the mood strikes! If you don't, you'll soon fall in love with collecting these beads and showing them off on your Whimsy ring!





I do think these rings are on the pricey side ($125 - $399), but the fact that you can change the bead makes it versatile so it's like you're getting more than one piece of jewelry.

At first I was a little afraid to try and open the ring to switch beads because I didn't want to break it, but they're amazingly strong and durable. And they're made of 100% reclaimed sterling silver and 14 karat gold. Reclaimed meaning there's post industrial waste, just dormant metals and gems. This was a conscious decision by ring designer, R. Craig Whitten in an effort to help counter the effects of the top toxic polluter in the U.S., the mining industry.

You can shop online HERE or click HERE to find a retailer near you.

Suave Winners

Here are the winners of the Suave haircare products!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

78
1
48


78Jennie in Ohio said...
oh oh pick me pick me :)

1thoughts and ramblings said...
Am I first?? woot woot!pick me, pick me!

48Winona said...
Love love LOVE Suave hair care products - I used my Suave volumizing shampoo this morning!

Email me at mom2my6pack@aol.com with your shipping information. :) Thank you to everyone for commenting!

T-Mobile Mom to Mom Quiz

We actually used T-Mobile for our family plan for Joe, Austin, Savannah and me until I recently got my iPhone. Now I have a separate "work account" for my iPhone, but Joe, Savannah & Austin still use T-Mobile. I've never had a problem with T-Mobile's service and every time I've had to contact them for any reason, I've gotten a courteous, actual English-speaking person on the phone without having to navigate an automated voice system for an hour and a half. Sooo, when T-Mobile commissioned me to take this quiz and pass the results on to you, I happily agreed.

Then again, I love taking these kind of quizzes. I had fun with it! And I wasn't surprised at all about the results. The question/answer that cracked me up the most said something like this...
Your son tells you he's embarrassed to be seen with you picking him up from the theater, you....
(I chose the option that read), "Hang out the window, waving and calling to him and his friends while blasting The Jonas Brothers." Hee hee!

You can click the following link to take the quick 10 question quiz and find out your parenting style.

T-Mobile Mom to Mom Quiz: "

Take the fun, Mom to Mom quiz and discover your parenting style.

"

V-8 V-Fusion Winner

And the winner of the case of V-8 V-Fusion juice and the LL Bean tote bag is......(drumroll).......


Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:247
Timestamp: 2009-05-19 05:21:42 UTC

247Laurie said...
We absolutely love V-8 Fusion!!
May 18, 2009 9:05 AM

Congratulations! Email me at mom2my6pack@aol.com with your shipping address. Thank you to everyone for leaving a comment!