Pretty and a Giveaway

I love to read and I've finally reached a point where I can carve out tiny niches of time to actually do so again! When the folks at Global Influence asked if I'd like to read and review Jillian Lauren's debut novel titled Pretty, I jumped at the chance.

I'm not sure that Pretty is a title I would consider for a book that is anything but... It's the saga of Bebe Baker, a former stripper, former drug addict, former many things. A car accident has killed her boyfriend, leaving her scarred and adrift. We meet her while she is serving time in a halfway house and ticking down the hours to finish cosmetology school. I usually need a hook of some kind to get me interested in a book - compelling characters, compelling storytelling. The favorite books that stay with me have a character or characters that I can identify with, empathize with, feel for... and I found myself struggling to find that link with Bebe. She's lived and is living a hard and harsh existence. If she were a friend I'd want to shake her for some of the choices she's made!

And yet... her plain-spoken, in your face story began to draw me in. Bebe is surrounded by some fascinating characters. I wanted to see where their story would lead. This is a book that I might not have picked up on my own, but I am glad that I got a chance to read.

Win a copy!
I have the chance to give away a copy to one lucky reader. To enter: Tweet or Facebook post about this giveaway, including a link to the book Pretty. Example: Check out @jillylauren's new book, Pretty - http://amzn.to/prettybook

All entries should include the hashtag #PRETTYBOOK. Please leave a comment on this post with a link to your tweet or FB post. You may enter daily. Giveaway closes on 9/15/11.

Can't wait to read the book? The first 250 people to order Pretty on 9/7 from Amazon who email the receipt to pretty.the.book@gmail.com will receive a Limited Edition run of the "Pretty" necklace made by FairyTale Jewels.com.

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I received a copy of this book for the purposes of reviewing and hosting a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Join the Little Miracle Mission

Have you seen the commercials? The Pampers "Every Little Miracle" commercial never fails to bring tears to my eyes.

In 2005 I was a busy executive secretary. A Type-A personality and planner to the max, my hard work and attention to detail helped multiple division presidents of a b2b publishing company get the job done. And in the summer of 2005 all my research and ability to plan and be in control went out the window with the birth of my first son. While I loved (and love!) him dearly my world went upside down in an instant in ways none of the books could have prepared me for. I left the job that had consumed my time for 9.5 years of my life, and so very many of the day to day relationships that I had had went with it. Sleepless nights, feedings, teething... anyone who is a parent is familiar with what my routine became. And despite my beautiful baby boy and loving family I was feeling lost. And I struggled. I was so very lucky that someone pointed me in the direction of the local family network. There I found playgroups and activities that forced my tired self out of the house. And I found advice, a shoulder to lean on and friends that are still around to this day.

Why do I digress with my little story? Pampers has generously provided me with a $50 gift card as part of their Little Miracle Mission. It's a chance to pay it forward, and I have chosen to donate it to my area family network that provided me with so much support during my early days of motherhood. They have changed much in the last 5 - 6 years, in part due to the budget struggles that so many of these organizations have faced. (And I've changed myself, adding another son to my growing family!)

Join the Mission!
I have been offered a gift card for one of my lucky readers to give away as well. Simply reply to this post and let me know how you would pay it forward, should you win the $50 gift card.

This is going to be a fast one, as the deadline is set for Noon EST on Wednesday, May 25th. Reply ASAP.

Everyone can easily participate in a small way by "liking" Pampers Facebook page (facebook.com/pampers) and then going to the Miracle Missions tab and committing to Mission 1 by clicking "I want to pledge". You are automatically entered to win a years supply of diapers and wipes, which could help you or someone you know in a big way.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

A Cook I Am Not, But...

I think it was my brother who (half) jokingly asked if H knew what he was getting into when he proposed. I love good food, and I love to eat. I even skim the cooking shows and recipes and cookbooks from time to time. My patience for the whole process of meal preparation, though, is not very great.

Not long ago MyBlogSpark and Old El Paso reintroduced me to an old and easy favorite of mine. taco night! I remember loving the "taco bar" in college. We love tacos, and I plan to get Mexican fare back into my rotation of easy-peasy menu items. The Old El Paso lineup of products includes chiles, dinner kits, dips and sides, enchilada sauce, refried beans, seasoning mixes, shells, taco sauce and salsa. There are endless recipe variations you can play with, like easy fish tacos. Everyone can decorate their meal with fixin's to their liking.

Win a Prize Pack like mine! Old El Paso and MyBlogSpark were gracious enough to send me a prize package that includes a packet of Old El Paso taco seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip serving dish, a set of three Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase your taco fixings.

To enter: Leave a comment and tell me about your favorite Mexican fare. Or how you plan to make taco night special. Which night of the week will it be?

Bonus entry: Follow this blog, and leave a comment telling me that you do, or have done so.

Deadline: This will be a quick one. Winner to be picked on Monday, January 31st at Noon EST.

A Winner, and oh those best laid plans...

Somehow I knew that as soon as I started up the reviews and giveaways portion of my blogging again, that would be my baby's cue to make his arrival a little bit early.

Congratulations to Hannah C, who won the copy of Heroes for My Son.

We are home from the hospital, and adjusting to our new family life as a foursome. More fun stuff to come, as baby Ethan's schedule permits!

heroes for my son - a book giveaway

Who are your heroes? Who do Americans consider to be their real heroes? Author Brad Meltzer began pondering this question with the birth of his first son, and the telling of these stories has resulted in his first nonfiction book.

Fifty-two men and women, both familiar and unknown, are illustrated through black and white pictures and a page of narrative distilling their heroic story. From politicians to performers, activists to athletes to ordinary citizens - these are inspiring snippits. Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson are side by side with Jonas Salk and Jim Henson. Personal heroes such as Teri Meltzer (Brad's Mom) join Clara Hale, Anne Sullivan and Harper Lee. The list goes on...

As a Mom to one active little boy, and with another on the way any time now, I found much to think about in this little book. And it is certainly appropriate for girls as well as boys!

Win It!
I have an additional hardcover copy of this book for one lucky winner. To enter:

Main entry - Mention in the comments section why you would like to win a copy of this book. I'd be interested in hearing about one of your heroes too...

Extra entries - each of these counts as an extra entry, but you must leave a comment for each one.

- Subscribe to Relishing the Dirt.

- Follow us on Twitter under @Smittens05.

- Tweet about this giveaway.

- Grab our button for your sidebar.

- Mention this giveaway on your blog, with a link back here and to Heroes for My Son.

Deadline is Midnight EST on July 12th. Winner will be chosen by random.org, and will be contacted via email. Contest is open to US residents.

This post was written for Harper Books, who provided the item for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Where in the world have I been?

It was so not my intention to have this part of my blogging life be on such a hiatus. But then, well... there was this. And this. And on to this. And finally we're in the home stretch of this whole pregnancy thing, but ugh.

And even though I feel kinda horrible, there are actually a few giveaways lining up in the near future. I will be certainly following the rules that I set down in each of the giveaway posts. But at this point I reserve the right to have some minor delays in getting prizes out to the winners... My due date may be July 24th, but as with most kids who knows how this will all play out? Stay tuned!

Try a Trio

Fisher Price has come out with a new building set called Trio. We got a chance recently to test drive a "starter set." Comprised of clickable bricks, sticks and panels the starter set also comes with a car, a little person, a tree shape, some triangle roof shapes and so on. Quite handy is the storage bin with a lid that can double as a building base. I'll be honest - any Mom's feet would be grateful to not be tripping over the bits of a building set. Yay storage bin!

I love toys that encourage creating and imagining and Daniel has returned to the Trio set countless times. I can see a whole "city" he built on the lid sitting over in the corner as I type this. The starter set is listed as being for 3-5 year olds. One thing I would encourage is strategically planning your Trio playtime. The click action building does take some getting used to and I encourage Daniel to play with the Trio set when he is fresh. Once he starts getting tired, his frustration level can build.

The folks at Fisher Price and MomSelect have graciously agreed to offer a Trio Starter Set to one lucky Relishing the Dirt reader.

To Enter: Comment on this post and tell me your favorite "creative plaything" that you do with your kids.

Extra Entries: Follow or subscribe to this blog and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so. Follow me on Twitter at @Smittens05 and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so. Additional credit for tweeting about this giveaway (please comment with a link).

Deadline: October 9th at Midnight EST.

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Note: We received this product free of charge as part of participating in the MomSelect review program.

Zhu Zhu Pets - Parties, A Review, A Giveaway

As a family who lives in a condo, we're entirely cramped for space when it comes to having a pet. No dogs are allowed, and some days even a cat would feel like one live beast too many around here! When the good folks at MomSelect offered us a chance to explore and play with some Zhu Zhu Pets (and share with some friends) I said yes, please!

Our planned "hamster party" turned into hamster playdates again, due to lack of space issues. I couldn't see stuffing a slew of 4-year-olds into our house all at once - and each of them chasing their new furry friend. Each of the kids at our first playdate seemed quite entertained by the little critters. Daniel's buddy Murphy immediately put his down to watch it scamper off in the other direction. This is the best kind of pet (especially for us Moms) - one that doesn't make a mess, and no worries about feeding it! During one of my last phone calls with Marisa's Mom I had gotten the report that she was still playing with her Zhu Zhu pet quite often. And Murphy's Mom laughed that she had left the house with the Zhu Zhu pet chattering away in her purse.

There are assorted playsets like a hamster wheel and tunnel, a funhouse, an adventure ball and more. Build and rearrange these pieces and the Zhu Zhus have their own habitat to explore.

I would have liked to see some of the habitat pieces built a little more securely. The lid and doors to the hamstermobile and garage come off fairly easily, for example, which can lead to some kid frustration. The hamsters themselves don't really have an "off" switch - they do go into a "sleep" mode after a bit, but this can be a bit of a battery drain.

All in all the kids seem tickled with their new pets. We're planning a few more hamster playdates, and we'd like to have a virtual playdate with you!

The Giveaway: One hamster, and one habitat piece.

To enter: Stop by Zhu Zhu Pets online and tell me your favorite - your favorite hamster, habitrail piece, activity or game from the site - you get to pick.

Extra entries: Subscribe or follow this blog, and leave a comment telling me you have done so. Follow me on Twitter and again, leave a comment that you have done so.

Deadline: Contest closes Tuesday, September 22nd at midnight EST. Winner to be announced September 23rd.

Save at Stop & Shop - Quick Giveaway!

For the first time I am preparing to send my kid to school! Eek! General Mills and Stop & Shop are teaming up this week to give families a great way to stock up and save, as they gear up for back to school. You should be shopping at Stop & Shop this week because:

There are some great sale prices on the participating General Mills brands: Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Reeses Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cookie Crisp Sprinkles, Cookie Crisp, Fruit Snacks, Old El Paso Dinner Kits, Pillsbury Strudel, Pillsbury Scrambles, Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, Yoplait Yo-plus Multi-pack, Fiber One Yogurt Multi-pack, Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookies, Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Pillsbury Sweet Rolls and Yoplait Delights.

Additional savings for your or your school, depending on which Stop & Shop location you shop.

If your Stop & Shop store sells gas: Buy four (4) participating General Mills items and you'll automatically earn 100 points on your Stop & Shop card. For every 100 points earned you'll save 10 cents per gallon of gas. (Please note total discount cannot exceed price per gallon.) Just swipe your Stop & Shop card at the pump to redeem your gas rewards.

If your Stop & Shop doesn't sell gas - Don't worry! You're not left out of the savings. If you buy five (5) participating General Mills products you will receive 20 Bonus Box Tops for your school.

The wonderful people at General Mills and My Blog Spark sent me a $10 Stop & Shop gift card so that I can jump into some of these back to school savings. They also want to give one lucky Relishing the Dirt reader a $10 Stop & Shop gift card too!

To Enter: Leave a comment telling me how much you think you can save on your next shopping trip.

Deadline: Monday, September 7th at Midnight. This giveaway will only last a few days so that hopefully you will receive your gift card in time to use at the sale.

The Good Home Cookbook - Giveaway!

I think I've confessed this before, but I'll say it again: I'm a wannabe foodie. Love to eat and try new things. Some of my favorite blogs have a food component like Bakerella and The Pioneer Woman. I think I even indulged in a subscription to Cooking Light once upon a time. My actual skills in the kitchen - meh, not so much. I'm pretty sure I was engaged a very short time before someone started asking if H knew what he was in for when it came to my cooking.

Thank goodness for cookbooks. Follow a recipe, I can do. The Good Home Cookbook contains more than 1,000 classic American recipes and bills itself as the only cookbook entirely tested in home kitchens across America. This piqued my interest a bit, as Richard J. Perry states in his introduction: "What is a classic American recipe? ...a recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation in various forms, from cookbooks to menus - recipes that have withstood the test of time." Home cooking can mean so many things to so many people. Whether it's Grandma's pasta, or Dad's burgers on the grill.

I like the organization of this book. Chapters group the recipes by Breakfast, Lunch, Salads, Meat, Soups, Vegetables, Pies Cakes and Cookies, and more. I'm usually trying to wrap my brain around a particular meal, so I think this would be helpful. There are various appendices that get into more technical stuff such as canning and pickling, freezing and thawing and so forth.

Just a quick flip into the book has my taste buds dancing over a yummy-sounding breakfast frittata, which even has suggested variations of broccoli, spinach and herb, and goat cheese. Many recipes begin with a tiny paragraph (or less) describing the dish and sometimes it's origin, which tickles the storyteller in me as well.

I have one copy of The Good Home Cookbook to give away to a lucky reader!

1. Hot weather and a picky preschooler both challenge me in the kitchen these days. To enter, leave a comment and tell me your family's favorite home cooked dish.
2. For an additional entry, subscribe to this blog via email or reader and leave a comment telling me that you have done so.
3. For an additional entry, follow me on Twitter at @Smittens05.
4. Tweet about this contest for an additional entry. Be sure to include @Smittens05 so that I can see your tweet!

Contest ends on August 15th. Winner to be announced on Monday, August 17th.

The Laundry Monstah

I don't know about you, but my laundry fairly breeds on it's own in my washing machine. I'm challenged with a 3.5 year old boy who can create messes as only a 3.5 year old boy can.

Um, How did you get pizza sauce behind your shirt collar again?

I also am blessed with a guy who works hard all day, a good chunk of the time outside. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow and all that. Although lately it has been on the rain, rain, rain side. Hello, pungent laundry!

The folks at MomSelect presented me with an opportunity to try all small & mighty Free Clear. The powerful 3x concentrated laundry detergent means they have been able to redesign a smaller bottle, offering the benefits of a bulk buy in a bottle that is easier to pour, store and carry. A formula 3x concentrated also means that I get to use less per wash, and a 96 oz. bottle should last me over three months.

I'm not a fragrance kind of gal, and so I'm enjoying that I can get the odors and stains out of my family laundry while using the Free Clear formula that contains no dyes, perfumes or enzymes. My clothes smell like, well clean clothes when I stuff them into the drawers and prepare for the next round of washing.

Try it Yourself - a Giveaway!
I have two coupons good for one free all small & mighty 3x concentrate (maximum value $6.50).

To Enter:
1. Comment on this post and tell us all about your best laundry adventure!

Bonus Entries:
2. Subscribe to Relishing the Dirt via feed or email and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so.
3. Follow Relishing the Dirt and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so.
4. Follow me on Twitter, and leave a comment letting me know.

Contest ends Monday, June 22nd - winners to be announced Tuesday, June 23rd.

Happy Friday!

Hello Everyone! It is due to be 70 degrees around here, with it leaping into the 80s the rest of the weekend. I'm off to find as many ways as possible to get out of my house.

Too bad grocery shopping must be one of them...

But one bit of business - the winner of the personalized box of My Fruit Roll-ups. Congrats to Andrea M.! Andrea, please get in touch to confirm your email contact address, so that I can send you your code.

Thanks everyone for playing!

"Mom? Can I Have a Snack?" (Giveaway)

This is a phrase heard often around our house. Remember Fruit Roll-ups? I remember unrolling and peeling the fruity snacks when I was a kid. They have now landed on the web as My Fruit Roll-ups. With more than 400 graphics, or even the option of uploading your own photo, artwork or logo these are truly a customizable treat. Birthday designs, pirates, princesses, snowflakes, safari, Valentine's Day hearts, Luau, Graduation designs... there are loads of possibilities. These would make great party favors!

We had a chance to try out the website, and I found it very user-friendly to step through the ordering process. Daniel has had a Guitar Hero phase going on, and so I picked a design with guitars, music notes, and the word ROCK splashed across it. Adding his photo was the final touch. Our shipment arrived, and he and his friends were tickled with the fun snack.

Win It!
I have a code for one complimentary order of My Fruit Roll-ups to give away to one lucky reader. You have a chance to get four entries:
1. Visit the My Fruit Roll-ups site and come back here to leave a comment as to how you would design your roll-ups.
2. Subscribe to Relishing the Dirt and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so.
3. Follow me on Twitter, and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so.
4. Tweet about this giveaway, and leave a comment letting me know that you have done so.

Giveaway ends Thursday, April 23rd. Winner to be announced Friday, April 24th.

Happy Spa Friday!

Take a deep breath everyone. It's Friday! It's almost Spring! And I'm here to announce the three winners of the Fiber One Spa Basket Giveaway. They are:

jburden
Laura
wehaf

Congratulations! Please check your email for a message from me. Thanks everyone for visiting!

Cheese-Heads Unite!

Time's up folks! If I don't pick some winners now, this will not be out by the end of the day... The great random.org has spoken, and given back the numbers 19 and 49. The winners of a coupon for free Kraft Singles are:

Valerie2350, who cooks her grilled cheese in her mother's well-seasoned cast iron pan.

Mommyhood is Thankless, who likes to create a yummy-sounding turkey melt.

I will be in touch soon for your contact information. Congratulations!

And I'm happy to make the acquaintance of so many fellow cheese lovers! Stay tuned for another yummy giveaway coming soon!

Cheese - and a Quickie Giveaway

I love cheese. Sometimes I think it must be in the DNA with my parents hailing from Wisconsin and all. Gooey on pizza, sprinkled over salads, a hunk of string cheese straight from the refrigerator - and a lovely bite of comfort food, a buttery, crispy-warm grilled cheese straight from the stove. Occasionally I change up the cheeses, or go for a little gourmet "glam" and add a thin slice of tomato to my grilled cheese sandwiches.

Plain ol' grilled cheese without the crust was a favorite of Daniel's early on. In true picky-eater fashion, he drifted from eating them for awhile. We recently tried Kraft American Singles, and an interesting thing happened. My carb-loving discriminating eater started peeling the bread apart to dig out the cheese! Not a total success, but I may start changing up the cheeses or breads, or cut them up into fun shapes or something to see if he will start eating them again.

Win It!
I have two coupons good for one free 12 ounce package of Kraft Singles (any variety). The expiration date is 3/31/2009, so this is going to be a quickie giveaway.

How to Enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post. If you feel inclined, tell me your favorite way to cook grilled cheese.
2. Follow this blog, or sign up via email or reader. (Please leave an additional comment telling me that you have done this.)

Two winners to be chosen the end of the day, Friday March 13th.

Join Me In A Time Out?

Winter, it's safe to say, has been kicking my butt. We've had multiple household breakdowns, car breakdowns, a bout of family illnesses - all wrapped up in a neat bow with ice storms and snow, and rounds of cold. Spring can't get here fast enough for me.

It was lovely to have a nifty little gift basket arrive on my doorstep. Full of some chocolatey pampering delights: a bath pillow, some bath salts, scented soap and a fragrant tea light. It was also an opportunity to try new Fiber One chewy bars in chocolate mocha flavor. I love chocolate, but am not a coffee drinker so I was initially unsure about the flavor combination for my particular taste buds. There is a pretty good balance between the two, however making for a delicious, chewy sweet snack. Each bar provides 35% of the recommended daily fiber intake and also is a good source of calcium.

Did you know?
- Fiber can help you satisfy your appetite and manage your weight.
- Research suggests that people who have high fiber intakes tend to have healthier body weights.
- Fiber can help keep your digestive system on track.
- 9 out of 10 Americans aren’t getting the recommended amount of fiber.

Do you want to know if you are getting enough fiber? Check out the Fiber-O-Meter at: http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fiber-meter

Win It!

I have three gift baskets to give away to three lucky readers! (Please note that you will receive a coupon for a free box of Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Chewy Bars rather than the actual snack bars.)

How To Enter

1. Leave a reply to this post and tell me why you need a spa break!
2. Get an extra entry by doing any or all of the following: follow this blog, sign up via email or a reader. If you do this, please leave an extra comment indicating what you have done.

Contest ends Thursday, March 19th - winners to be announced March 20th.

Can't wait? Fiber One is now offering a $1.35 off downloadable coupon for one box of Fiber One Chewy Bars available at: http://bricks.coupons.com/bstart.asp?o=55392&ci=1&c=GM&p=4AbZ6NPX

And the Winner is!

Colleen Jefferey of The Jefferey Family was checking out Holly Moose at the Build-A-Bear Workshop website. She had this to say:

"Holly Moose is adorable."

Colleen is the winner of the $10 in Bear Bucks/gift card to the Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Colleen, please get in touch with me via email/or the contact form on the website to provide your contact information - I will get your prize out to you ASAP. Congratulations!

Hello Hal!

We had a new addition to our household yesterday. Hal Moose™, from the folks at Build-A-Bear Workshop®. What a treat! Plushy soft, he also hides a surprise. When your child squeezes his (paw? hoof?) the Christmas lights laced in his antlers light up! Hal arrived in his own decorated box "house" with a copy of Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure - a debut storybook starring Hal and his sister Holly.

Currently Holly and Hal Moose™ are being offered together, for a price of $24 and you receive the storybook for free ($15.99 value, while quantities last.) Individual Moose are $12. Just a quick turn around their website shows store locations, an online shop and a virtual community at buildabearville.com™. A dizzying array of options are on display from choosing just the right furry friend for an occasion, to dressing them up with clothes, accessories and even sounds.

Daniel, like most kids around this time of year, is quite tickled with all things Christmas. Hal currently has a place of honor tucked in with him in his race car bed.

Win it!
I have a gift card of $10 in Bear Buck$ to give away to some lucky reader.

The Rules:
1. Stop by the Build-A-Bear Workshop website and take a look around. Come back here to this post and tell me your favorite stuffed animal. Maybe it's Hal? Chilly Cheeks Penguin?

2. Extra Credit: Get another entry into this giveaway by subscribing to Relishing the Dirt.

3. Winner to be determined by the Random Number Generator at Random.org.

Contest Ends: January 15th; winner announced January 16th.

We have a Winner!

After consulting the great Random.org, the winner of the Yoplait Prize Pack from my first giveaway is #36, Kelly Roncas.

She had this great tip: I like to cut my kids sandwiches in shapes. Dinosaurs are a huge favorite!! For the holidays, we have holiday themed sandwiches. They love peanut butter, so I sprinkle wheat germ on it. They don't know!! It gives them an extra iron boost. I also serve carrots and ranch dip and fruit on the table BEFORE our dinner. Usually, they are starving by dinner time and will pick at whatever is out, just to eat. It works out for both of us: the kids get a snack before dinner to stave off the hungries and I know they got a serving of fruit and a serving of vegetables!

Thank you all for joining in!