Saturday, May 28, 2011

Pearl Paradise: Pamper Yourself (or Your Lady..) *Giveaway*

Constantly on the go, most of us never really take time out for ourselves, always putting the needs of our families in front of our own. That's part of our job of being a Mom (or a Dad), and very rarely do we ever stop to catch our breath, or splurge on something that's spectacular for us.

If you've been a loyal reader at 4BabyAndMom,  you know that we don't really celebrate Mother's Day, Father's Day, or our birthdays, because, well, our life revolves around the kidlets. At the end of February, we were lucky enough to be able to review a gorgeous pair of black pearl earrings from Pearl Paradise. Do you remember our review?? Yeah.... In celebration of our Spring Into Summer blog party, Pearl Paradise is allowing us to give away a pair of earrings for one special reader!




Here's How to WIN!
FIRST-- Grab our button!!!! Post it where ever you can, Facebook, Twitter, your blog or website, print it out and tape it to your car window, carseat, forehead- whatever! Leave a link with your proof! Can't figure out how to copy and paste the status link from FB or Twitter? Screen shot it, then email it to me!

----THEN---- visit PearlParadise.com and tell me one product that you love from their site.. (I want to know what you love).. and WHY you NEED, Want, or have to have pearl earrings for this summer!

--For those of you that are counting, that's TWO separate comments/entries already


Extra Entry Opportunities:
  • What's not to like?? LIKE 4BabyAndMom on Facebook
  • Follow us on Google Friend Connect
  • Subscribe to our feed via email, so you never miss an article or giveaway
  • LIKE Pearl Paradise on Facebook, and be sure to tell them that 4BabyAndMom recommended you!
  • SHARE this using the tool below on any social media outlet or bookmarking site.
About the pearl earrings:
These lustrous freshwater pearls are color-treated to mimic the exotic look of pearls from Tahiti. The color is permanent and will never fade.

Our AA+ quality pearls are button-shape which appear perfectly round from the front, with a slightly flattened shape when viewed from the side. The shape allows the studs to rest more comfortably on the ears, and creates a luxurious, classic look. In AAA quality, the pearls are truly round with a bright, reflective luster. The earrings are mounted on solid 14-karat posts.


Included with every item from Pearl Paradise comes with a certified appraisal prepared by a GIA graduate, an elegant presentation box, and a pearl care kit to help keep your pearls beautiful.


CONGRATULATIONS!!!


This giveaway is open to residents of the US, and will end on June 4th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced on this post and on our winner's page. We will also email the winner. Winner has 24 hours from the EMAIL to claim his/her prize. Special thanks to Pearl Paradise for supplying a pair of studs to both 4BabyAndMom in February, and one for our winner. Our love for Pearl Paradise and their products is strictly our opinion(s) only, and your experience may differ. No monetary compensation has been received for this post.

Read more...

Avon Outlet: Going, Going, Gone! Sale + FREE Shiping Code*

Just in time for summer, stock up on some of your favorite AVON products before they're gone! Now is the time to accessorize with jewelry and makeup to highlight your best features! With savings starting at 50% off, and limited quantites, you haven't got long before these products are going to disappear. FREE shipping on your purchase of $10 or more using the coupon code: MDAY2011 *Offer ends midnight 5/30, direct shipping ONLY.


Read more...

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Spring Into Summer Blog Party!

This weekend is Memorial Day. The most important reason to celebrate it is by honoring the soldiers that have bravely served our country, past, present and future. 4BabyAndMom is very thankful this Memorial Day to all of the men and women who have put their life on the line so that we can have the life we live, so our kids can have the future we dream for them, and so that we are always proud to be American.

Along with celebrating our soldiers (from all branches of the military), many families gather for cook-outs, fireworks, and perhaps even parades. Many take advantage of the beautiful weather that is rolling in this time of year, and amazing sales on products we love.

This season we would like you to Spring Into Summer with 4BabyAndMom, and help us celebrate. We will be highlighting some great sales over this weekend, stories from military families- past and present- and of course, giving away some great products.

Grab the button, post it on your blog, website, or Facebook wall. Then tell all of your friends. Then come back here and let the fun begin. Giveaways feature products from General Mills, Amazon.com, and Little Tikes, to name a few, and special savings and offers will be announced from many big named stores like Kmart, Neutrogena, and more!

What are you waiting for? Take a minute to grab our button, and thank a service man or woman.







4 Baby and Mom










Read more...

Great Deals on Great Meals at Publix! *Plus $25 GIVEAWAY!* ENDED

One of the most important moments of my day is dinner time. Sure, I like food, (and so does my family), but that's not the reason why. I'm an old school mom, that really likes having the time around the dinner table to connect with my family. Learning about each other's day, planning the weekend together, laughing about silly things- that's what helps make memories.

I am a crazy busy mom. I have a child with special needs who hasn't "officially" "officially" been diagnosed- (don't ask)- a pre-k, almost-kindergartener-going-on-15 princess-in-training, am part of the PTA, SAC, Policy Council, am a Team Mom for tee ball, and needless to say, am stretched in many different directions. Especially now with end of year meetings, time for me to plan and prepare a meal are limited, and it's times like this where I love my Publix even more.

The other day I was walking up the aisle mumbling groceries I had in my fridge over and over trying to come up with some sort of a concoction to call "dinner". I could make a carbonara-type sauce, and pair it with a meat, but we were totally done with chicken, and I just couldn't think. (Bri would have blamed it on the sun, or the heat from practice.) I opened my sales flyer and voila, there was a recipe for the most delicious looking pork. I knew right there that I had most of those ingredients (or so I thought) but if not, I could totally do a carbonara type sauce over it and call it a day. In moments I went from lolly-gagging through the aisles looking like a crazy person mumbling ingredients to herself, to a person on a mission. Pork was on sale, so with even more zest in my step, my meal plan was done. 

What I love even more is that even if I can't figure out a meal- or if I don't resort to one of our 'staple' meals- I know I can always count on our Apron's booth for something tasty and usually quick. Thankfully, I have a family that loves trying new things. The best part is that it takes the "boring" factor out of dinner, because the family never knows what to expect. (Check out APRON'S here for more recipe ideas!)

So, if you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter you may have seen that recently I've begun couponing. No, it's not because of the crazy coupon show on TV- (remember, I don't have a ton of free time, people), it's because I just want to save money. I do not buy stuff I don't normally buy, unless it's insanely cheap, something that once sparked my interest as something I'd like to try, or free with my coupons. I mainly buy only the stuff I did before I started couponing. The only difference is that I'm saving a ton of money! Along with starting to use coupons, I started following the blog, AddictedToSaving.com. (I must say, if you live anywhere near a Publix, you should definitely be following that blog. You may not be a crazy couponer, or just looking to save a few, but how that site has helped me, you have NO idea!)

Four months ago, I thought that Publix had higher individual price points on items, which is why they could swing all of the crazy BOGO sales. Since following that blog, I've learned that their base price point is actually lower than many- if not all of their local competitors- on most items. I had no idea! I also learned that you can combine Publix coupons (you know the big coupon in the flyer or the bunch of coupons in the green and yellow advantage flyers that start with a PLU#.. OR the ones on the little kiosk thing floating around with savings on things like Yoplait, Cheerios, and more!) with manufacturer coupons (the coupons with a barcode), for even more of an incredible savings. I can officially say that for about 4-5 months, the majority of my grocery shopping is done at Publix because of these savings.

Now that we've settled into our new home a little bit better, our office is fully functioning and my son is almost '"officially" "officially"' diagnosed with something, I can start showing you all of the fabulous savings I'm raking in. Just a collection of random tid-bits gathered from online:

In 2007 a survey showed that 89% of the United States population used coupons to save approximately $2.6 billion dollars.

Manufacturers offered over $350 billion dollars in coupons that year – leaving over $347 billion dollars in coupons unredeemed.

The typical family saved 7% on their grocery bill in 2007 by using coupons – for a savings of $5.20-$9.60 per week. That may not sound like a lot, but with an average of $8 per week those savings add up to over $400 for the year- not bad for an average coupon user. Serious coupon users save much, much more, most of the time saving at least 75-85% of their bill.
To jump start you into saving money at Publix, check out GreatDealsOnGreatMeals.com to print out $10.80 in savings (the coupons expire on 5/29, so be sure to download them now)!!

Plus, through May 29th, stop by your local Publix to start your savings with a recipe for an easy Pasta Night at home! Make your own Pillsbury Ready to Bake! cookies for dessert, and stock up on some of the other featured products like Yoplait Yogurt, Honey Nut Cheerios and Progresso Soup!

WIN!!
Our friends at General Mills are offering a $25 Publix gift card to one lucky reader!

Here's How:
What items are you most excited to find savings on during the “Great Deals on Great Meals” event at Publix?

Extra Entry Opportunities:
  • Tweet about the Great Deals on Great Meals event or this giveaway. Please use the hashtag "#myblogspark" and "@4BabyAndMom" in your tweet. Post your link here.
  • LIKE 4BabyAndMom (and the Great Deals On Great Meals link above) on Facebook and share this promotion with your friends.
  • Do you share the same excitement we do for Publix? Share with me an experience, or something that YOU love about the store.
  • Share with me your closest store location using the STORE LOCATOR button.
  • If you use coupons, what's the best deal you've ever got?
  • Tell me your favorite General Mills product. Not sure? Visit their site for ideas.
  • Wish you could find coupons for THIS product? Tell me what that product is.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!!!



As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom and your experience may differ. Special thanks to General Mills and MyBlogSpark for allowing me to participate in this promotion. Super huge thanks to General Mills for providing me one gift card to keep and one to give away, as part of the MyBlogSpark program. This contest will end Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be drawn using Random.org and then revealed on this post and the winner's page. The winner will also receive an email. Please add 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com to your address book or label it "safe" so any communication won't be missed! Good Luck!


Read more...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Disney's Toy Story 3 ON ICE! Tampa Area Giveaway + Special Offer!

'Toy Story' is one of my favorite Disney movies. What's not to love about Buzz, Woody, Jessie & Bulls-eye, not to mention, Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm and all of the other wonderful characters?!?!

A few weeks ago we were presented an opportunity to head to the St. Pete Times Forum to check out Disney On Ice presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3, and participate in a social media screening and meet-up. I jumped at the opportunity, as we've never seen an "ON ICE!" performance, and because the kids love the Toy Story sequel as much as I loved the first one.

We get to go to this great show next week, and I can't wait. The kids have NO idea that we're going- which to me, is even better!! I'm going to be sure to pack the tissues, because I cried like a baby in the theater, so this time I'm going to be prepared!

To find Disney On Ice presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3, or other similar events near you, be sure to visit: http://www.disneyonice.com/ or Ticketmaster.com now.

Special Offer!!
Experience Disney On Ice presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3 for just $13 per ticket*! Just use the special promo code MOM at checkout when you purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com. Offer is valid on these select performances: May 20th at 7pm, May 21st at 7pm and May 22nd at 5pm. Don’t miss out, get your tickets today!

*Offer not valid on Rinkside Dining or VIP Seats.

Thanks to our friends at MomSelect, and our new friends with Disney Destinations and Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3 ON ICE have offered one lucky reader their chance to score a family 4 pack of tickets to the May 22nd 1pm or 5pm  Disney's Toy Story 3 ON ICE! show.

CONGRATULATIONS!!


This giveaway ends on 5/17 at 11:59pm EST. PLEASE NOTE: This giveaway is area specific. To win you must be able to attend the St. Pete Times Forum show only. In the event that the specific show is canceled or rescheduled due to the hockey play-offs, the winner will still receive tickets. Please be sure to include a valid email address and add 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com to your safe/ not spam list. Special thanks to the team at MomSelect for networking with Disney Destinations and the PR firm that represents them.

Read more...

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Elmer's DIY Spring Creation Contest! *GIVEAWAY*

It's official- we've relocated. The office is set up, the new house is sort-of set up (unpacking stinks!!), and the projects getting us in are complete. There's one more piece of furniture I need to still paint and make fun for my little lady, and I'd like to touch up my little man's dresser, but other than that- we're in!!

In the midst of reloacting, I was presented an opportunity to participate in the Spring Creation Contest. Elmer's put together a Spring Creation Guide to help Do-It-Yourself-ers to, well, DIY! They have five great projects, complete with a step by step "How To" guide for each product. I can't wait until we're a little more unpacked so I can really get my craft on!!

Did you know how many different things you can make (and fix!!) around the house using Elmer's products?? I relly put their products to the test while trying to come up with the perfect project... until that project came to me!

The first thing that I used my Elmer's Glue All on was the letters in Abbigaile's room. When we tell Abbie, "I love you more," she always responds, "I love you more than butterflies and flowers!" With those being two of her most favorite things, I took the idea and totally ran with it for her new bedroom. We hand painted flowers, butterflies, hearts and swirls all over her walls. The only thing missing was her name. I searched for letters to paint or buy to hang, and just couldn't find anything I truly loved. I decided to take two pieces of glittery felt and trace the letters of her name onto the back of it. Using my X-ACTO Gripster Knife, I cut each letter out individually, then we glued it onto the wall above her bed.

The letters looked perfect and were the exact finishing touch her room needed. I present to you before:


And AFTER:


Well, that's three out of the four walls, and my camera makes the pretty aqua/tiffany blue look more seafoam, but you can getthe jist of it. I had so much fun with the letters in Abbie's room that I had to add them in Alex's room, too.

So after I got those done, I ended up going over the edges of the chairs I reupholstered. The X-ACTO knife worked really well in providing a tight, clean cut. The Elmer's Spray adhesive was perfect for the corners before I stapled them. Then, while we were moving, something caught the headliner in my minivan, and made it balloon out.. Bri grabbed the spray adhesive, and in seconds it looked like nothing ever happened. A catastrophe was adverted, and Mommy was pleased!

So, with this contest underway, the item that I ended up making was a knock off of an item I had made 8 years ago when we got married. I had a great bowl filled with flower pens to have my guests sign in with, and add a special message to the newlyweds. This week at the kids school it's Teacher Appreciation Week. Again, in a house that I'm lucky to find the paper towels in, I scrambled to find a project to whip together for one of the teachers and came up with this adorable bucket idea. I purchased a small tin bucket, a small spool of ribbon, some scrapbooking tags, a lady bug and butterfly embellishment, and added some popcorn kernels, and daisy pens. The teacher had a red flower pen that she added to the mix, but all in all, I was pleased with the final product.

So, that's all I was able to finish, but I do plan on making the top of Abbie's dresser into a kitchen for her, decoupaging it with Elmer's. I have it all designed out, have "officially"started it, but am nowhere near completion.If I can finish it before Friday, I will definitely post pictures. What do you think??

Our friends at Elmer's would love to hear some of your spring craft ideas. Tell us now, and you will have a chance to WIN one of THREE Elmer's Prize Packs! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment so we can let you know if you've won.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!



EXTRA ENTRY OPPORTUNITIES:
This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on May 11, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will choose another winner. Special thanks to Elmer's for providing us and our winners with an Elmer's Gift Pack. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom. Your opinions may differ.

Read more...

ShareThis

e319c3d269013d80a5a32ff474a7af14a7f982023eadae48bd
BlogMommas.com Powered By Ringsurf
Original Template created by: Ourblogtemplates.com Edited & Tweaked by Lauren from 4BabyAndMom