Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wicked Giveaway Wednesday (6/30/2010) (List Your Giveaway Here!)

It's Wicked Giveaway Wednesday! Come here and post your giveaway and/or come enter others'. This will be posted every Wednesday so please make sure to check back! Also, please make sure you follow the rules :)

1. Your link must go to your giveaway, NOT to your blog
2. You must title the entry like this - Blog Name, Item to win, Close Date


Thursday, June 24, 2010

Grilling It Up With Lawry's Giveaway




Nothing says summer like backyard grilling, and as the weather heats up, more families are heading outside to fire up the grill. This summer savor the sizzle by breaking out of your "bore"-becue routine. Take a "cue" from Lawry’s to help turn your dull dinner into a mouthwatering meal!

Lawry's newest marinades allow you to infuse your meals with exotic flavors without ever leaving your home. Inspired by the sun-drenched villages of Italy, the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade features extra virgin olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers and the perfect blend of herbs. The Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ Marinade gives meat a delicious sweet and sour flavor with a touch of Szechuan heat.
These marinades fuel the flames of flavor and are on-point with this season’s hottest grilling trends, adding inspiration to your favorite dishes. Take your family’s grilled dinner to the next level - Try Lawry’s Tuscan Grilled Lamb Chops with Warm White Beans Provençal recipe featuring the new Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade tonight!

For more ways to put a fresh spin on your go-to grilling menu, check out these new pairings from the recently released McCormick® Flavor Forecast™ 2010: Grilling Edition:

Applewood & Plum – Juicy plums accent smoky applewood and add flair to all-American barbecue.

Cilantro & Lime – Cutting across the diverse cuisines, this bright and zingy pair is a refreshing taste of summertime.

Rosemary & Fig – Figs are an unexpected and regionally inspired match for aromatic rosemary.

Chipotle & Maple – This culinary comingling deliver a fresh take on smoky, spicy and sweet.

Brown Sugar & Bourbon – This duo brings a delicious dose of Southern charm to the patio.

Cinnamon & Coffee – Bold and confident – with just the right edge of bitterness.

Red Chili Sauce & Mango – The flavor of mango takes hot or sweet red chili sauce far beyond mere “condiment status.”

I had a chance to try out both the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato and Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ marinades. I have to tell you they are both very yummy! I especially loved boneless chicken breasts marinated in the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato. It totally gives you something out of the ordinary!

Looking for a refreshing summer meal? Treat your family to Lawry’s Tequila-Lime Skirt Steak with Avocado Chopped Salad recipe featuring the Cilantro & Lime flavor profile.

For more recipes and Lawry’s marinades that complement the flavor pairings visit the Grilling Flavor Forecast™ website at http://www.mccormick.com/FlavorForecast/2010FlavorForecastGrilling.aspx.

Visit http://www.lawrys.com/ to check-out the full line of Lawry’s products, additional grilling tips and to find delicious recipes for grilling season and beyond!

Lawry’s would like to help you get summer started with a “Get Grilling Kit” that includes both of the new Lawry’s marinades – Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato and Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ – a set of skewers and a marinating dish. Wanna win? Here's how:

FIRST, tell me what Lawry's marinades you think you'd like to try.

For addition entries you may:

*Become a Fan of Copper Brick Road on Facebook
* Stumble my blog (Leave a comment saying you did so with Stumble user name)
* Subscribe to My Email Feed (leave a comment saying you did)
* Add this Giveaway to a Mr. Linky, Blog Carnival, Sweepstakes site, forum etc. (Leave the link) (1 entry per submission)
* Follow me on Twitter (@copperbrickroad) (leave a comment with your Twitter name)
* ReTweet this contest on Twitter (@copperbrickroad)(Once per day)
**Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry to maximize chances of winning.**


One winner will be selected randomly using Random.org. Contest ends 7/7 at 11:59 pm

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I received a "Get Grilling" gift pack from Lawry's through MyBlogSpark
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FREE Sample of Biore Towelettes or Cleanser


Bioré is offering a FREE sample of Makeup Removing Towelettes or Steam Activated Cleanser. Click HERE to fill out a short survey and to pick which sample you'd like to receive. It looks like it will take 8-10 weeks to receive.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Wicked Giveaway Wednesday (6/23/2010) (List Your Giveaway Here!)

It's Wicked Giveaway Wednesday! Come here and post your giveaway and/or come enter others'. This will be posted every Wednesday so please make sure to check back! Also, please make sure you follow the rules :)

1. Your link must go to your giveaway, NOT to your blog
2. You must title the entry like this - Blog Name, Item to win, Close Date




Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Sam's Club Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies Giveaway


It’s 7 p.m. when your child informs you that they need baked goods to share with the whole class tomorrow. Sound familiar? How often have you been hit with the need for last-minute baking when there simply isn’t enough time? Pillsbury comes to the rescue with Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies, available exclusively at Sam’s Club.

With a taste as delicious and authentic as if you baked them at home, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a blend of 3 types of cocoas with real chocolate syrup and milk chocolate chunks to make a delicious fudgy brownie—they’re the perfect solution when you’re pressed for time. Add personal flair to these already-baked brownies with your own decorations, frosting, caramel or powdered sugar! With a straight-out-of-the-oven flavor without the time or clean-up, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a great treat for any occasion!

In addition, when purchasing Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies at Sam’s Club, you have the chance to support your local school with Box Tops for Education. Each package of Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies has 6 Bonus Box Tops that can be redeemed to earn cash for the K-8 school of your choice! Yay! Yummy in your tummy and great for your child's school!
I tell ya what....these brownies sure do make life easier when you need a treat in a pinch. I was able to provide a "homemade" treat for Brody's t-ball team with no effort at all! Being a working mom, I need all the help I can get!


Pillsbury would like you to get in on the chocolatey goodness with a Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies gift pack that includes $25 Sam’s Club gift card to use to purchase the brownies, Betty Crocker frosting, and a large container for transporting the brownies! Wanna win? Here's how!:

FIRST, tell me an ideal situation that Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies might be a perfect treat?

For addition entries you may:



*Become a Fan of Copper Brick Road on Facebook
* Stumble my blog (Leave a comment saying you did so with Stumble user name)

* Subscribe to My Email Feed (leave a comment saying you did)
* Add this Giveaway to a Mr. Linky, Blog Carnival, Sweepstakes site, forum etc. (Leave the link) (1 entry per submission)
* Follow me on Twitter (@copperbrickroad) (leave a comment with your Twitter name)
* ReTweet this contest on Twitter (@copperbrickroad)(Once per day)
**Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry to maximize chances of winning.**


One winner will be selected randomly using Random.org. Contest ends 7/6 at 11:59 pm

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I received a Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies gift pack from Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark
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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Sam's Club Sunny Day Snacks Giveaway


Now available at Sams Club Stores, Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars deliver great value and are perfect to have on hand for last minute day trips and even an afternoon in the backyard.

Not only nutritious, but convenient too, the club sized snacks are individually wrapped and ideal for throwing in your purse or travel bag, just in case your little one’s tummy starts to rumble.

Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars are a delightful, 100% natural, combination of tastes and textures you’ll love. Now, you can get 25% more of the whole almonds, peanuts, raisins and cranberries in every bar! With no artificial flavors or colors and only 140 calories, Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Granola Bars also contain 8g of whole grain per serving.

Check out your local Club Store today for stock up packages of this delicious snack and more!

One lucky reader will win a “Sam's Club Sunny Day Snacks” prize pack that includes a stock-up sized package of the Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars (48 ct.) and a $25 gift card that you can use at Sam's Club. Wanna win? Here's how:



FIRST, tell me what kind of healthy treats you plan on buying if you win the $25 Sam's Club gift card

For addition entries you may:
*Become a Fan of Copper Brick Road on Facebook
* Stumble my blog (Leave a comment saying you did so with Stumble user name)
* Subscribe to My Email Feed (leave a comment saying you did)
* Add this Giveaway to a Mr. Linky, Blog Carnival, Sweepstakes site, forum etc. (Leave the link) (1 entry per submission)
* Follow me on Twitter (@copperbrickroad) (leave a comment with your Twitter name)
* ReTweet this contest on Twitter (@copperbrickroad)(Once per day)


**Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry to maximize chances of winning.
**One winner will be selected randomly using Random.org.
Contest ends 7/6 at 11:59 pm

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I received a $25 Sam's Club gift card and a box of Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars. All information and the giveaway were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark
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Dipe N' Go Review


I know we've all been there (and if you haven't, it will happen) you're out and about and your baby needs to be changed. Whether it's a huge poop out or a pee through, you find yourself frantically trying to find somewhere to change baby. There really aren't a lot of public options and the changing stations in restrooms are enough to make you cringe! That's why I was stoked to be able to try out the Dipe n' Go!



The Dipe n' Go is portable changing mat that fits in the storage area of your van or SUV. It gives you a changing station right in the back of your car! It is simply attached by a strong piece of velcro. The Dipe n’ Go folds closed to 15.5″ x 12.5″ and then opens up to 15.5″ x 35″ for when you’re ready to change baby. The two large pockets and one small pocket keeps everything you need for diaper changes all in one place for when you need them. It’s made of soft, machine-washable fabric. Any messes can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and you can do your periodic machine washing too! You can even remove it from your car and use it anywhere that you need a clean place to change baby.





I loved the convenience of the Dipe n' Go. Whenever you're at the ballpark and there's nowhere to go, the Dipe n' Go comes in super handy! I also must mention how handy it is on car trips. With grandparents living 2 hours away, you can never get away without having a diaper change. Yay! No more nasty gas stations!

You don't have to take my word on it. The Dipe n' Go has also been recognized with awards from PTPA Media as well as the Mom's Best Award.

Check out Dipe n'Go on Facebook and Twitter!





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There was no monetary compensation received for this review.I received a Dipe n' Go for the sake of completing this review.Receipt of this did not sway my opinion.
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Monday, June 14, 2010

Koala Kuddles Swaddling Blankets Review

Y'all know how much I love multi-purpose products. Not only do you save money, but you save space too. We all know when it comes to babies, we already have a ton of stuff we have to carry around already! I was pleased to be able to try out Koala Kuddles!


If you don't know, the act of swaddling is very important for babies. The reason is, is that it mimics the feeling of still being in the womb which gives comfort and security. With my son, we used tons of swaddling blankets. Our biggest problem was when we got into the warmer months. Poor baby would get way too hot. It was concerning to me because overheating has been linked to SIDS. I love the lightweight Koala Kuddles! You're able to get the security from swaddling and air is still able to get in so baby doesn't get hot! A high selling point for me was how soft they were. Oh, and they only get softer with each wash!



I must add how cute these blankets are! You can pick out a polka dot print or an animal print. Either way, you can't go wrong! Both prints are gender netural and if you can't make up your mind, Koala Kuddles come in combo packs!

Why should you buy Koala Kuddles?

They Breathe Better Minimizing Overheating

Unlike traditional swaddling blankets which are made of a thicker, denser cotton, this 100% cotton weave (in Australia we call it muslin, pronounced ‘muzz-lin’), minimizes the risk of the baby over-heating and becoming drenched in sweat because it allows the excess heat to leave the swaddle.

Non-Piling
It is piling resistant and soft to the touch on the baby’s body.


A Better Wrap Means A Better (and Longer) Sleep for Mom and Baby
The lightweight weave, and substantial size, allows the baby to be more effectively swaddled because there is more flexibility, or ‘give’, in the fabric itself. These blankets provide a tighter and more snug wrap with extra cushioning for baby.

Super Soft Cushioning
Its quilted weave gives a super soft cushioning feel.

Gets Softer and Softer
One of the loveliest things about these wraps is the more they are washed, the softer they become.
Endless Uses
Blanket for the stroller
Cover up for the nursing mother
Sun shield for baby in the stroller
Long after they have been a swaddling cloth they become a treasured ‘blankie’ for the toddler


If you're looking for a blanket with more uses and a longer life than traditional receiving blankets, Koala Kuddles are a great baby shower gift or a great blanket for your own baby. Check 'em out! You won't be disappointed!




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There was no monetary compensation received for this review.I received a combo pack of Koala Kuddles for the sake of completing this review.Receipt of this did not sway my opinion.
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Thursday, June 10, 2010

$2 off Welch's Grape Juice


Simply become a fan of Welch's on Facebook and you'll be able to print out a coupon for $2 off 1 64oz bottle.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Wicked Giveaway Wednesday (6/9/2010) (List Your Giveaway Here!)

It's Wicked Giveaway Wednesday! Come here and post your giveaway and/or come enter others'. This will be posted every Wednesday so please make sure to check back! Also, please make sure you follow the rules :)

1. Your link must go to your giveaway, NOT to your blog
2. You must title the entry like this - Blog Name, Item to win, Close Date


Friday, June 4, 2010

Help Needed - A Call To Action


While this might be a local story, I wanted to reach out to all of my friends to ask for help for two young boys. These two boys (ages 13 and 6) experienced such unthinkable abuse from their mother and stepfather. I cannot even begin to wrap my head around the entire situation.

The abuse was terrible. While I won't share every detail I will share that the mother and stepfather would lock the 13 year old naked in a closet, where he was tied up, handcuffed and shot with a pellet gun for something as little as "stealing" a honey bun from the pantry. He was also forced to sleep in a closet, where he used a plastic jug as a toilet. You can read the whole story HERE.

I'm sure after reading the story your anger and sadness for these poor boys is the same as mine. Jail time for those parents doesn't seem adequate to me. It pained me to hear of this happening in the small town I grew up in. While it was a great blessing that the children have gone to a foster home, it's been bittersweet. The poor boys have only 2 pairs of clothes and no toys. The foster family is doing what they can to provide, however the state of Georgia is not providing any funding.


Bottom line is that this tragic. There is no reason for child abuse and we need to let these boys know we're thinking about them and that there are still good people out there!


This is where I need your help. I am helping out my sister and a social worker to get donations made for these kids to get clothes, food, toys, ect. This effort was noted on the front page of the paper today. You can read the article HERE.


If you can make a donation that would be awesome!

If you do, please email me and let me know, I will give public recognition (unless requested not to). This includes vendors as well.


Here are the details on the boys:


6 year old boy:

size 8 clothes, size 4 shoes.
Interests include: football, basketball, swimming and/or water activities and superheroes.

13 year old boy

size 28 pants, size (adult) medium shirts, size 9 men's shoes.

Interests: football, basketball, fishing, swimming and/or water activities, superheroes and Michael Jackson.





Donations can be mailed to the following (or you can contact me)
Witness Victim Assistance Program's Office
Room 370 at the Clarke County Courthouse
325 E. Washington St.
Athens, GA 30601



or



Oconee County Sheriff's Office

1140 Experiment Station Road

Watkinsville, GA 30677

Well It's Official! - I'm Pregnant!




I'm pregnant! We're totally excited to be bringing another baby into the mix! Of course, not as excited as our son Brody is. He's already said that he will teach the new baby how to play his Xbox and that the new baby can sleep in his bed with him. It's too cute!


Due date is 1/15/2011

Kroger Family of Stores' Pound for Pound Challenge Giveaway


You’ve seen the Biggest Loser on TV, watched contestant’s struggles and achievements, and may have even thought, “Hey, I can do that!” Instead of waiting for the BBQs to be over and your schedule to open up, put all excuses aside and make a pledge to live healthier with the Pound For Pound Challenge.


The Kroger Co. Family of Stores, General Mills, NBC's hit TV Show “The Biggest Loser” and other key sponsors are partnering to donate up to $1,080,000 to Feeding America this year!

Here’s how you can help:

Visit www.pfpchallenge.com/Kroger to make your pledge to lose weight and to get more information and to find tools to change your life for the better. It is free, easy and only takes a minute to make a change that can help you and help the hungry in your local community.


Through June 30, 2010, for every pound you pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 14¢ to Feeding America® — enough to deliver one pound of groceries to a local food bank!

As the official supplier of the Biggest Loser Ranch and partner of the Pound for Pound Challenge, the Kroger Family of Stores wants to help you achieve your goals. If you’re a fan of the Biggest Loser, you may have seen several great General Mills products featured on the show. These products, including Yoplait Greek yogurt, Total, and Multigrain Cheerios, are available at your local Kroger Family of Stores and can help you stick to your weight management plan! So get on it and pledge those pounds!!

The Kroger Family of Stores includes Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillon's, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy.

Kroger wants to help you get a leg up on losing those pounds by giving away a $30 Kroger Gift Card so you can buy those General Mills products! Wanna win?? Here's How!:



FIRST, check out www.pfpchallenge.com/Kroger and tell me how many pounds you pledged to lose


For addition entries you may:
*Become a Fan of Copper Brick Road on Facebook
* Stumble my blog (Leave a comment saying you did so with Stumble user name)

* Subscribe to My Email Feed (leave a comment saying you did)
* Add this Giveaway to a Mr. Linky, Blog Carnival, Sweepstakes site, forum etc. (Leave the link) (1 entry per submission)
* Follow me on Twitter (@copperbrickroad) (leave a comment with your Twitter name)
* ReTweet this contest on Twitter (@copperbrickroad)(Once per day)



**Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry to maximize chances of winning.**One winner will be selected randomly using Random.org. Contest ends 6/18 at 11:59 pm

----------------------------
I received a $30 Kroger Family of Stores gift card. All information and the giveaway were provided by the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through MyBlogSpark
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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Bing Teacher Appreciation Website


From teaching us how to read to writing recommendation letters for college applications, school teachers play an important role in a number of milestone events we experience while growing up. As the end of the school year approaches, we find ourselves thinking about how to thank teachers for all they do.

Bing is encouraging students and parents to recognize teachers who have made a difference in their lives through a new philanthropic campaign focused on supporting kids' education. Bing has committed to a gift of up to $500,000 and teamed up with DonorsChoose.org to provide both kids and adults with a way to express their thanks to a teacher and help another teacher or school in the process.

Visit Bing's Teacher Appreciation website to post a comment or share a story about a teacher who made a difference in your life (or the life of your child), and Bing will provide you with a $5 donation to DonorsChoose.org, which can be applied toward any classroom project of your choice. Yes Teachers, help yourself! Log in and create a classroom project and your students/parents can help contribute to the cause! Each visitor can leave up to 5 comments, resulting in a total donation of $25. At the end of June, Bing will aggregate the comments and share them with each teacher in the form of a congratulations letter.

I was excited to be able to participate in this blog tour! Teachers are such an important part of our lives yet I think often they're unappreciated. Over the years I had tons of great teachers but one sticks out the most. Her name was Mrs. Granger and she was my music teacher back in 2nd grade. My dad had noticed my interest in music and as a single parent he couldn't afford lessons. He came to the school asked her if maybe she could tutor me during the time I'd spend waiting for the bus in the afternoon. Without hesitation she agreed and every school day for 2 years she taught me how to play the piano. She had a way of making learning so easy. She didn't have to do that but she did and for that I'm totally grateful. Oh and yes, I did check out Bing's Teacher Appreciation website and told my story!

I was given a chance to donate $100 in addition to the extra $25 I got from leaving my 5 comments on Bing's Teacher Appreciation website. I was able to give a third grade class math essentials that they needed. I'm so glad that we were able to help further enhance the lives of their students. Kudos and thank you to the teachers!
Check out Bing's Teacher Appreciation website to get money donated towards your school's classroom projects!


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I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Bing and I received a $100 DonorsChoose.org donation to give to the school of my choice. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Wicked Giveaway Wednesday (6/2/2010) (List Your Giveaway Here!)

It's Wicked Giveaway Wednesday! Come here and post your giveaway and/or come enter others'. This will be posted every Wednesday so please make sure to check back! Also, please make sure you follow the rules :)

1. Your link must go to your giveaway, NOT to your blog
2. You must title the entry like this - Blog Name, Item to win, Close Date