Sing Into Spring Giveaway!

The 'tween' CD set!

Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my Disney "geekness" ... I love all things Disney, including the music. So imagine my excitement when I found out about the "Sing into Spring" giveaway that I'm hosting. It's all about Disney music and you're going to love it! (So will your kids).

My girls are big fans of Disney Channel - especially shows including Austin & Ally, Shake It Up! (which is no longer on Disney Channel), and even Teen Beach Movie. The one thing that all these shows have in common is great music. As much as you try to resist, you have to admit that the catchy lyrics and toe-tapping music suck you in.

I found myself dancing and singing along to some song off the Austin & Ally soundtrack the other day. With my kids, of course. (Thankfully no one has any video or photographic proof of my "dancing.")

My youngest also loves Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates - two more shows (with a preschool and kindergarten viewer base) with great music.

And then there's Frozen - even if you haven't seen the movie you know the song "Let It Go" and your kids likely know the lyrics by heart. 

Which brings me to the topic of this post ... I'm giving away two different sets of CDs featuring music from hit Disney Channel shows and the Academy Award-winning film Frozen. That's right...I'm going to pick TWO WINNERS in this giveaway.

The prizes? Well they're really awesome! The first prize is the "preschool set" of CDs - Doc McStuffins soundtrack, DJ Shuffle, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and the Frozen soundtrack. The second prize is the "tween" CD set - Austin & Ally soundtrack, Disney Channel Play It Loud (featuring songs from Shake It Up, A.N.T. Farm, and more), Teen Beach Movie soundtrack, and the Frozen soundtrack.

Entering the contest is easy-peasy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below (and be sure that you do the 'mandatory' entry which is leaving a comment on the blog post!). That's it! I will choose one winner for each CD set at random and you will be notified via email (by me) if you won.

So if you (or your kids) LOVE Disney music, enter today! 

Disclaimer: I was sent a complimentary collection of Disney Music CDs as part of Entertainment New Media Network. Giveaway is sponsored through the network by 'the view from my fishbowl' with prizes provided by Walt Disney Records. 


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Kalahari Resorts Summer Splash Celebration Giveaway!

With several weeks of summer left, there's a lot of fun to fit in before the kids head back to school.

To help in the endeavor, Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio is celebrating with a Summer Splash Celebration. This African-themed celebration is happening through Labor Day. The resort is celebrating African music, food, and art with special events and daily on-site activities including bracelet making, animal safari sand art, and more.

If you haven't visited the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, let me tell you about it! The resort is home to America's largest indoor water park with authentic African-themed decor, giving guests a "world away" experience. The Kalahari Resort features indoor and outdoor water park attractions along with the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park with animal exhibits, rides, and challenging activities for the whole family.

A few weeks ago Kalahari Resorts sent me an amazing Summer Splash Celebration goody box with two Kalahari T-shirts, two pairs of sunglasses, magnets, baseball hats, a music video DVD, a Kalahari mask for craft time, and a voucher for a one-night stay in a Hut or Desert room including water park passes and passes for the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park.

Sounds nice, right?

Well guess what? One of my LUCKY READERS is going to win the VERY SAME PRIZE PACK!  Yep. You read that right. One of you is going to win the Summer Splash Celebration Goody Box that includes: two Kalahari T-shirts, two pairs of sunglasses, two baseball caps, two Kalahari magnets, a music video DVD, a mask, AND a voucher for a ONE NIGHT STAY in a Hut or Desert room (for a group of four people), with water park passes and passes for the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park. [As an added bonus the voucher is good until August 2014, so it would be perfect for a fall or winter visit!]

You heard what I said, right?

The goody box includes a VOUCHER FOR A ONE NIGHT STAY AT THE KALAHARI  RESORT IN SANDUSKY, OHIO! 

Seriously. That's like a mini vacation people. You KNOW you WANT this.

In order to be entered in the contest you MUST use the Rafflecopter form (below). This contest requires a mandatory blog comment - tell me what you want to do at Kalahari, whether taking a ride on the Swahili Swirl or learning to body surf on the FlowRider, or maybe just relaxing at the Spa! 

The contest is open until Saturday, August 3!
Good luck and happy summer!

(Disclaimer: I received a Summer Splash Celebration Goody Box from Kalahari Resorts. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are mine.)

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McDonald's Egg White Delight McMuffin and McWrap - A Review and Giveaway!

Egg White Delight McMuffin

I have a confession to make - my favorite, go-to "fast food" breakfast is the Egg McMuffin (no Canadian bacon!) from McDonald's. Sometimes I "get crazy" and go for the Sausage McMuffin with Egg...but 99 percent of the time, it's the Egg McMuffin.

Now, I might have a new favorite - the Egg White Delight McMuffin (still without Canadian bacon). I had a chance to try on a few weeks ago and it was really, really delicious.

I'm not going to lie. I don't like "just" egg whites, so I wasn't sure about this sandwich...but it had a lot of flavor and the egg white was not bland at all. It also wasn't that nifty "round" shape that the Egg McMuffin eggs are either. Nope. This egg white had been cooked on the grill. And the white cheddar cheese was amazing. Even better? The sandwich is only 250 calories (and I'm assuming that's "with" the Canadian bacon, so I bet mine had less calories!).

Oh, and you can get the egg white on the following McDonald's breakfast sandwiches - Egg McMuffin; Sausage McMuffin with Egg; Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit; Sausage Biscuit with Egg; Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles; Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles; and Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel.

Now, if you're a resident of northwest Ohio and/or southeast Michigan you can run out tomorrow morning and buy one. Or you can enter my contest (see below) to win coupons for a free Egg White Delight McMuffin. Either way...you need to try this sandwich! And if you're not a resident of NW Ohio/SE Michigan...keep reading because I have stuff for you too!

The other new item I had a chance to try was the new McWrap sandwich. There are three choices - Chicken & Ranch, Sweet Chili Chicken, or Chicken & Bacon, and you can get grilled or crispy chicken. I ordered the Chicken &; Ranch version, and while it was very messy to eat (I ended up using a knife and fork!), it was really good. The cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce were fresh and crispy and the chicken was really tasty. I wasn't prepared for just how BIG this sandwich was....I was not able to finish the whole thing.

If you'd like to try one of the new premium chicken McWrap sandwiches be sure to enter my contest (see below). Added bonus - you don't need to live in northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan to win one of these coupons! They're good all over the U.S.

Now...because I love my readers and really want to make this contest special for you, I am adding one GRAND PRIZE to the prize list - a McWrap Prize Pack. This prize pack contains: a cooler tote, earbud headphones, a fleece blanket, USB car plug, mini speakers,  MP3 armband, a $10 Arch Card, and a $5 iTunes Gift Card.

That's a whole lot of goodies for one prize pack!

So, here's the IMPORTANT INFORMATION (aka THE RULES). I will be awarding TWO readers in northwest Ohio and/or southeast Michigan with coupons to try the new Egg White Delight McMuffin. I will be awarding TWO readers anywhere in the United States with coupons to try the new McWrap sandwiches. And, ONE lucky reader will win the GRAND PRIZE McWrap Prize Pack. All winners will be chosen at random. You must follow the rules in the Rafflecopter widget in order to enter. And, you MUST let me know if you live in NW Ohio/SE Michigan. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was given coupons to try the new Egg White Delight McMuffin and the McWrap. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are mine.


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New Minute Maid "Light and Refreshing" beverages - a review and a giveaway!

I recently had a chance to try the new "light and refreshing" beverage from Minute Maid and I have to say...I'm sort of in LOVE with the 'Light Raspberry Fruit Drink with Tea.'

Love...as in I could drink this every single day and not get tired of it.

So, we all know the name Minute Maid is sort of synonymous with orange juice - but they also make a whole assortment of other fruity drinks. And, because we're all trying to watch those waistlines, they're introducing four new "reduced calorie" products - just in time for summer! (Well, OK...in time for summer if you live anywhere other than Ohio where it's going to be winter FOREVER).

I digress.

There are three new "light refreshment flavors" - Light Raspberry Fruit Drink with Tea, Light Peach Fruit Drink with Tea, and Light Mango Passion Fruit Drink. Each of these beverages has a mere 15 calories per 8 oz serving.

But wait.
There's more!

Minute Maid hasn't forgotten the orange juice drinkers! For a lighter option, they are offering Minute Maid Pure Squeezed Light OJ Beverage No Pulp - which has 50 calories per 8 oz serving.

And because I care about your health and well-being ... I'm going to host a little giveaway. Five lucky readers are going to receive one coupon for a FREE Minute Maid Pure Squeezed Light Orange Juice Beverage AND a coupon for one FREE Minute Maid Light beverage (any variety).

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Leaving a blog comment is mandatory for entering the contest. 

Disclaimer: I received free samples of the Minute Maid beverages from Coca-Cola. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.

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Stocking Holders from Sterling Pear - a review and giveaway

And the stockings were hung....on the staircase this year. Not the most festive - or decorative - place for our Christmas stockings. But that's where they were simply because I was afraid our kitten (being the little troublemaker that she is) would see them hanging on our bookcase and try to pull them down. And in turn would also pull down the very heavy stocking holders we normally use.

Last year one of those stocking holders fell off the bookcase and actually chipped our wood floor. I didn't want to think what it might do to a 7-month-old cat with too much time on her paws. So, our sad little stockings were hanging on the staircase railing with those little adhesive hooks. How festive.

And then, I found Sterling Pear and the different options they have for hanging stockings from mantles (and bookcases!). My holiday decorating was saved (and safe!).

Say you have little ones running or crawling around the house - or in our case, if you have curious pets that have a tendency to pull things off the mantle or bookcase. And say you really want to hang your Christmas stockings by the fireplace but you're worried little hands will pull them - and the heavy stocking holders - down, risking a serious injury. What's the solution?

The stocking holders from Sterling Pear come in three designs - Mantle Clips, Candy Cane, and Stocking Scrolls.

Mantle Clips

The Mantle Clips come in several different styles and metal (pewter, brass, bronze, brushed nickle just to name a few). I ordered the brushed nickle clips and was so excited when they arrived yesterday. I picked the Mantle Clips because the description said they would work on mantels and bookcases - and since we don't have a mantle, but do have a bookcase it seemed like a good choice. And it was. My Christmas stockings have been hanging on the bookcase since yesterday. The clips grab the top of the bookcase and stay in place thanks to rubber grippers.

Candy Cane holders

The Candy Cane holders are described as: ...very light-weight and are angled in such a way that they hold the stocking securely to the mantel. Works well with most mantels, including those with intricate moulding. Will not scratch the mantel and will not leave any marks on the surface.

And I have to say they are super cute and made me wish I had a lovely mantle over our fireplace! They would look adorable in my red family room!  
 

Stocking Scroll

The Stocking Scrolls come in pewter, silver, antique brass, brushed nickle, oil-rubbed bronze, and antique holly and are equally as lovely. The website description includes:

• Great alternative for especially thick or ornate mantles
• Holds up to 10 lbs.
• Ornate and functional stocking holder
• Clear "gripper" pad helps hold it in place while protecting mantle surface

And so my dear readers, since it IS the holidays and I want to spread some magic I have a contest for you!

One lucky reader will one a set of stocking hangers of their choice! That's right. You get to choose from the Mantle Clips, Candy Canes, or Stocking Scrolls.

Entering the contest is easy. You must leave a comment on this post telling me which style of stocking hanger you like (please include your email address in your comment). Then, you MUST use the Rafflecopter entry form to enter the contest. If you do not use the Rafflecopter form your entry will not be counted. (If you can't see the Rafflecopter form, please click on the headline of this blog to see just this blog!)The contest will close on December 8, 2012 at midnight. Winner will be notified via email. Winner will get to choose a set of stocking hangers from Sterling Pear (either Mantle Clips, Candy Canes or Stocking Scrolls).

And because I really want you to have a happy holiday season...if you want to shop over at Sterling Pear here's a 15% off coupon code to use (good until January 31, 20120:  AVFMF113

[Disclaimer: I was provided with a set of Mantle Clips from Sterling Pear. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are mine.]

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McDonald's new Quarter Pounders with Cheese - A Giveaway!

Anyone who lives in northwest Ohio knows Toledo is a fast food test market. If it's new and restaurants want to test a product, you'll likely find it here in T-town.

Which is why it's no surprise that McDonald's is offering their newest Quarter Pounders with Cheese at local restaurants in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

The three new sandwiches are:

- Quarter Pounder with Habanero Ranch: a QP with white cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, fresh leaf lettuce, ripe red tomato, and habanero ranch sauce
- Quarter Pounder Deluxe: a QP with American cheese, tomato, fresh leaf lettuce, red onion, crinkle cut pickles, mayo and mustard
- Quarter Pounder Bacon and Cheese: a QP with American cheese, hickory smoked bacon, red onion, crinkle cut pickles, ketchup and mustard

Yesterday I took the kids to McDonald's for dinner before dance class and had a chance to try the Quarter Pounder Bacon and Cheese ... and it was really good! Normally when I go to McD's I order the same thing - McDouble, small fries and a large diet Coke. Heck, I didn't even have a Big Mac until last month (as in EVER...I was 39 years old before eating a Big Mac!).

But this QP with bacon and cheese was something I'd order again. First and most importantly...let's just say it together: BACON! You and I both know bacon makes everything better. And, I liked the pickles (I usually take the pickles off my sandwiches, but the crinkle cut kind? Yeah those were good). I think next time I'll ask for mayo on my burger though...that would have made it amazing!

So, as is the case with most good things...the new Quarter Pounders are only here for a very limited time. And, right now they're only available in a few areas around the US - including northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

But, for my friends in this area I have a special treat for you! I'm going to be giving FIVE lucky readers in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan a coupon for a FREE new Quarter Pounder at McDonald's.

Please remember: the coupons are ONLY good at participating restaurants in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. 

To enter: You must use the Rafflecopter entry form (if you don't see it, click on the headline of the blog post to see just this post). And you MUST leave a comment on the blog, telling me which of the new sandwiches you want to try (please include email address in your comment). Failure to leave a comment AND use Rafflecopter will result in your entry not being counted. Five winners will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter after the contest closes on December 7, 2012 at 12 a.m. ET.

[Disclaimer: I was given coupons by McDonald's to try the new Quarter Pounders for free. No other compensation was provided. All opinions in this blog are mine.]

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Read this book! (And if you're lucky, win a copy here)

I recently had the privilege of reading a new book that inspired me, educated me, and made me want to be a renegade when it comes to this blog, my social media endeavors, and well....life in general.

The book - Renegades Write The Rules by Amy Jo Martin.

There is just so much AMAZING in this book, it would take me an obnoxious amount of words to tell you about it here. But let me give you some (brief) insight into why Amy Jo Martin is my new hero.

I've always been a person who doesn't like to hear the excuse of "it's always been done that way and we aren't going to change." That makes me CRAZY. I'm thinking this means I might be a renegade too.

While I read the book I found myself highlighting many, many insightful passages. But one section of the book really struck a nerve with me. Amy Jo talked about the time a former employer handed her a note that said "Work. Family. Self." and then told her to choose two because you can't have all three.

Having lived through a situation very similar to that - when I was told by a former employer that I had to choose which was more important, my job or my family - I felt a strong connection to the words on the pages of this book. I could relate to Amy Jo's desire to not just "choose two."

Every day when I sit in my home office I look at my vision board - where words like passion, happiness, balance, dream, and truth stare back at me. I have been on a journey to find that perfect balance in my life - where my passion and my work become ONE and ohmygosh work is FUN and doesn't seem like work.

And wouldn't you know it...Amy Jo talks about this in the book. One of my favorite (highlighted) passages is this: "The more you focus on opportunities that call on your sharpest skills and strongest passions in order to produce a result that fulfills your purpose, the more bliss you will have in your days." [p. 167]

If you love social media and want to be a force of positive change - in life, at work - you need to read this book. Amy Jo's stories about working with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and others are not only enlightening, but they're also inspirational and when you're done with this book you will want to work harder. And you will want to be a renegade.

I'm going to make it easier for one of you to get your hands on this book! Check out the Rafflecopter entry form below and enter to win a signed, advanced copy of the book. The contest runs from today until October 8. Entering is simple - you just need to leave a blog comment to enter (per the Rafflecopter entry form) and then be sure to use the Rafflecopter entry form to record your entry. You MUST do both to enter to win.

Renegades Write The Rules is available to purchase October 2. You can follow Amy Jo on Twitter and Facebook.

[Disclaimer: I was given an advance digital copy of Renegades Write The Rules to read and an advanced "hard" copy of the book for this giveaway. All opinions are mine. No other compensation was received.]

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Journey 2 DVD Giveaway!

Warner Bros. is proud to announce the release of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island on DVD and Blu-Ray; June 5th 2012 along with the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Blog App!  

Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger Games) finds a hidden signal that he believes will lead him to his long lost grandfather (Michael Caine, Miss Congeniality).  With the help of his new step father (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Scorpion King), Sean finds a map and starts his adventure which leads him to Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens, High School Musical) and the island of Atlantis!  Sean and his friends battle giant bees, killer lizards, a volcano of gold, and electric eels to escape the lost city and make their way home!


And here's how you can win a copy of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island on DVD....

Take the Mysterious Island quiz to see how you would fare on the island and leave a comment using the Rafflecopter entry form. You MUST use Rafflecopter to enter! To find the quiz, click on "Would You Survive" at the app. (Me? I'm a "timid trekker"...but that's sort of obvious, right?)

The contest starts June 12 and ends at 12:01 a.m. on June 17! Winner will be notified via email - so be sure to add your email address to your comment. 

UPDATE: A WINNER WAS CHOSEN AND HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! 


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What to Expect ... a giveaway!

OK, first things first.

NO. I am not expecting.
That ship sailed five years ago, right after Emma was born.
Two and done, thank you very much.

However, some of you - my dear readers - might be expecting. Or maybe you just had a baby. Or you're thinking about getting pregnant.

Whatever your situation, the folks over at What to Expect have a perfect book for you.

What to Expect When You're Expecting - a week-to-week guide that will answers your questions from "planning through postpartum." I had this book on my nightstand during my first pregnancy. If something "weird" happened (yeah, like every day when you're pregnant for the first time), I'd grab the book and look it up.

What to Expect The First Year - a month-by-month guide that "explains everything you need to know" about the first year with your baby. Oh how I would have loved this book as a first-time mom eight years ago. I was so clueless when we brought Olivia home from the hospital! When we got home I remember looking at Kevin and saying "now what?"

What to Expect The Second Year - this is the "complete why, when, and how-to guide to your toddler's wonder year." Yeah. This book would have been a lifesaver during Olivia's second year. Oh man. I always heard about the "terrible twos" but didn't believe it until I saw them firsthand. We had sleep issues with Olivia (starting at 8 weeks old, mind you) and they lasted well into her "toddler" years. Any guidance would have been welcomed. And don't get me started on the whole pacifier "issue" and "breaking" her from the bottle.

Anyone with kids knows parenting isn't easy. You wonder if you're doing it right. Or if you're scarring your kids for life by letting them co-sleep (guilty as charged, thank you very much). The What to Expect books are a great resource for parents (and grandparents!). And so, I'd like to make it a bit easier for you!

I have partnered with What to Expect and am giving away SIX of their books! For a chance to win the book of your choice (What to Expect When You're Expecting, What to Expect The First Year, OR What to Expect The Second Year), simply follow the Rafflecopter directions below. I'll be choosing the winners at random and notifying them via email (at which time I will need your mailing address).

Good luck!
Happy New Year!

Disclosure: I was given a set of "What to Expect" books for review. I received no other compensation, monetary or otherwise. ALL opinions in this post are MINE. 

A happier meal - the new and improved Happy Meal at McDonald's

On any given day if you ask my youngest where she wants to eat when we're "out and about," she will reply with "McDonald's" (which actually comes out as McGoggles at times, but whatever). And yeah, I'm OK with her choice - I have a weakness for McD's fries and if a Happy Meal is going to .. make her happy, then that's fine with me.

And now that McDonald's has spruced up their Happy Meals - they include an "automatic" offering of fruit in every meal .. I'm even more OK with it.

Have you seen the new and improved Happy Meals? Not only are apple slices included (along with 4-piece McNuggets, a hamburger or a cheeseburger, and fat-free chocolate milk or 1% white milk), but the world famous french fries come in a much smaller (and quite "adorable) package - 1.1 ounces of fries to be exact. So our kids are getting FRUIT and milk with their fries and McNuggets. 

Heck, I'd even order this for myself. 

According to a press release - "The new Happy Meal is part of McDonald's recently-announced 'Commitments to Offer Improved Nutritional Choices' which aims to help customers - especially children and families - make nutrition-minded choices for their daily lifestyles, whether visiting McDonald's or eating elsewhere. By including fruit in every Happy Meal, McDonald's hopes to address a challenge children face in meeting the recommended daily consumption of produce."

I know getting my kids to eat fruit - other than pineapple and applesauce (yeah I know it's not "technically" a fruit, but it IS made from apples) and maybe a random banana here or there - is a daily challenge. So if I let them get a Happy Meal every now and then and it has apples as part of it, I'm all for it. I even told them today, "if you don't eat the apples, you don't get Happy Meals anymore." Yes, I used a veiled threat to get them to eat their fruit. Sue me.

So, have you checked out the new Happy Meal yet?
What did you think about the smaller fry size and the apple slices?

And more importantly, for all my northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan readers - how would you like two coupons for a free Happy Meal? (Yep. Free food. That's what I'm talking about!). Leave me a comment telling me what is your favorite McDonald's menu item and include your email (so I can contact you if you win). I'll choose two winners at random on January 7, 2012. [The coupons are ONLY good at McDonald's locations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan].

Disclosure: I was provided with "Be Our Guest" cards from McDonald's. I did not receive any other compensation - monetary or otherwise. ALL opinions are mine.

It's the perfect day for some giveaways!

OK, so it's rainy and dreary here (again) .. and in my mind, that makes it a perfect day to enter some giveaways.

For those of you dreading winter (the entire northern half of the US), why not dream about a 7-night getaway in sunny and warm Orlando? Sounds perfect, right? Check out this post - "Global Resort Homes giveaway" - and enter for your chance to win a 7-night stay in a vacation home, courtesy of Global Resort Homes. (I'm co-hosting that giveaway with Kristen and Jackie - be sure to check out their blogs too!)

And, if you're looking for a new, inspirational book to read (or to share with someone else), check out this post - "How can you escape neverland?" - where you can enter to win a digital or print copy of the new book "Overcoming the Nevers" by Teri Johnson. It's a great read and a great way to start the new year.

So there you have it ... just some light reading suggestions for this rainy, dreary Monday afternoon.



A few disclaimers: 
1. Disclaimer: Global Resort Homes is sponsoring my stay in a resort home in February. No other compensation was received for this post.
2. Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of "Overcoming the Nevers" and the chance to participate in her blog tour for the book. I received no other compensation.

How can you "escape neverland"?

As anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows, the last half of this year has been rather challenging for me.

Well, OK...a lot of this year has been challenging for me professionally.

I was subjected to months of bullying at my old job and eventually had to quit that job in order to preserve my sanity. And now, five months later I'm still dealing with those people and their lies and bullying. 

I never thought it would happen to me.

Do you see that word?
Never.

It can be a positive word (I never thought I would run a marathon) and it can be a negative word (I never thought it would be so hard to find a job). When it's a "negative never" it just hangs there, tormenting you. But there's a way to move past the negative and come out of it a stronger person.

This is the theme of a book I was recently introduced to - "Overcoming the Nevers" by Teri Johnson. In the book, Teri talk about how we can all overcome the "negative nevers" that are crippling us and keeping us from discovering who we were created to be.

As I write this post, I've just begun reading the book - but so far it is resonating with me. Loudly.

Case in point: "...negative Nevers. They come with feelings of regret, embarrassment, insecurity, guilt, and shame. They can be stumbling blocks and obstacles in our lives. They are troubling." (p. 14)

That right there? Yeah. That's how I've felt rather often this year. I was left feeling exposed and insecure at my old job because I never thought I'd be a victim of workplace bullying. I feel embarrassed because I'm now unemployed and can't find a job. I never thought I'd be almost 39 years old and still looking for "the job." And I could go on and on about the "negative nevers" that are hanging around here lately. It's quite a hefty list.

But I think with Teri's book I am going to overcome these "negative nevers" and come out of this stronger, better, and happier. The chapters in the book start with "Willingness" and move through Acceptance, Faith, Surrender, Courage, Admission, Transformation, Humility, Responsibility, Restoration, Clarity, Awareness, and Light. All steps we need to move through in order to escape the "negative nevers."

I think this book is going to make a difference in how I look at the world around me. I refuse to be a victim any longer - I have already spent too much time feeling this way. I'm going to take control and kick those "negative nevers" to the curb.

Who's with me? Let's put those "negative nevers" in their place.

And to help you in this endeavour, I'd like to give one of you the chance to win a digital OR print copy of "Overcoming the Nevers."

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is (1) leave a comment about ONE "negative never" you'd like to overcome, (2) decide if you want a digital or print copy, and (3) include your email address in your comment so if you win I can notify you. The contest is open until 12/9/2011 at 11:59 p.m.ONE winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org.


More about the author and the book
In Overcoming the Nevers by Gardening Your Life and Nurturing Seeds of Truth, Teri uses her life experiences as a springboard to help readers move on from the crippling, joy-stealing “Negative Nevers.” The book shares the tools that Teri has learned as well as practical tips and applications for using them in your life to overcome your worst nevers. Are you willing to discover the truth about who you were created to be? Overcoming the Nevers inspires and equips you with the opportunities to become your best YOU.

Teri is the President and Founder of Keeping it Personal. She is also a writer, speaker, and sought-after personal growth expert who enjoys great conversations while sipping coffee, photography, and soaking up as many sunsets as she can. Teri is passionate about helping others as an encourager and a cheerleader to many. The author lives a joy-filled life, deeply devoted to her husband, her two boys, and her relationship with God. Connect with Teri at TeriJohnson.com.

_____________
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of "Overcoming the Nevers" and the chance to participate in her blog tour for the book. I received no other compensation. All opinions here are my own.

JAWS a review ... and a giveway!

So, let's talk cleaning house, OK?

I don't mind cleaning most rooms in my house - probably because I'm cleaning counter tops in the kitchen every day (it's a mild obsession) or busting out the hardwood floor sweeper twice a day (two dogs, two kids, one cat = major hairballs).

But, I dread cleaning certain rooms in my house - namely the bathroom. I have an aversion to cleaning toilets, I can't lie. I usually reserve that job for my darling husband - you know, 'in sickness and in health and oh by the way you get to clean the toilets for the next 50 years."

However, I was lucky enough to get a cleaning kit recently that might have me rethinking the "no scrubbing toilets" rule.

Have you heard of the JAWS - "Just Add Water System" - products?
No?
Well today is YOUR lucky day.

JAWS is manufactured RIGHT HERE in Toledo (yay for local products!!) - so of course I jumped at the chance to try them out. And let me tell you...I think I'm in love. With cleaning products.

What is JAWS?
"JAWS cleaners are super-concentrated to work on your toughest household tasks yet they are kinder to the environment. The reusable spray bottles and refill cartridges of concentrated cleaners reduce plastic waste, conserve resources and save you money." (borrowed right from the product brochure, fyi)

These products are so easy to use - you just fill the reusable spray bottle with water, insert the cartridge, twist on the sprayer and VOILA!...you're ready to clean.

The first product I used was the Glass & Hard Surface cleaner and it wowed me. It said "streak free" and it means it! I think I used it on every glass surface in my house - doors, windows, mirrors. You name it...if it was glass, I cleaned it. And there were NO streaks after. Amazing. I also liked the cleaning power of the Bathroom Cleaner/Deodorizer (great on those toilet seats!) and the Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser (really gets that nasty gunk off the top of the stove vents).

What do I love about these products?
1. I can reuse the bottles with the refill cartridges - it's recycling!
2. The cartridges and starter kits are reasonably priced - it's economical!
3. They don't have a harsh chemical smell, which is nice. I don't like feeling asphyxiated when I'm cleaning.
4. Oh, and did I mention the "streak free" windows and glass?

I know you want to try it....

And now I have some good news for those of you in the Toledo area: From now through November 27, all four JAWS products are being offered at a special promotional price (starter kits $4.49, recyclable refill cartridges $3.49) at these Toledo and Findlay area stores:

- The Anderson's (Maumee, Toledo, and Northwood) - Kazmaier's (Perrysburg and Toledo) - Sautters (Sylvania and Waterville) - Schorling's (Toledo - both stores - Bancroft and Stickney Ave.) - Walt Churchill's (Maumee and Perrysburg) - Brinkman's (Findlay)

For a full list of where to find JAWS products, click here.

But wait! There's more! (for everyone!)

One lucky reader is going to WIN a JAWS cleaning kit! The kit will include a full bottle each of the Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner, the Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser, the Bathroom Cleaner/Deodorizer, and the Disinfectant Cleaner/Degreaser. Each bottle comes with one refill (the Disinfectant comes with two refills!

For a chance to win the JAWS cleaning kit all you need to do is leave a comment telling me what area of your house you hate to clean AND include your email address. (If you don't include your email address, I can't contact you if you win!). That's it. Easy peasy. The contest is open until 11:59 p.m., November 27, 2011. The winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. I will contact the winner via email in order to get their home mailing address.

Good luck!

(Check out JAWS on Twitter and Facebook too!)

UPDATE: Nov. 28 - Comment #2 (Diane) is the winner (chosen randomly using Random.org). I have contacted her via email. Thanks for entering and reading my blog!

Disclaimer: I received a full JAWS cleaning kit to use and review as part of this blog post. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fall fashion at The Limited (and a giveaway!)

I am not exactly a fashionista.

Yes, I love reading Vogue and InStyle and watching The Rachel Zoe Project. I dream of owning many pairs of Jimmy Choos and would love to own these Christian Louboutin beauties. But in reality, I'm a mom on a limited budget and my clothes tend to be somewhat boring. Sure, I accessorize with jewelry, but when I'm working (at an office) you'll likely find me in black pants, a top and black heels. Not so adventurous, right?

Despite all that - I do love to shop. I just don't shop often. I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in MONTHS. And, before Friday, I had not bought a new "fall wardrobe piece" since, well, last fall.

Last Friday I was invited to attend the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at The Limited (located at Westfield/Franklin Park in Toledo). It's been many years since The Limited was part of our local mall, so I was very excited to see it return.


This new store did not disappoint! The store is beautiful and homey and bright and it even has an eBar - an area where you can shop online or your husband can "surf the 'net" while you shop the store. That is brilliant. According to a press release from The Limited, the Toledo store features the "newest store design concept demonstrating a direction toward a more modern, feminine style."

After the ribbon cutting ceremony I had a chance to actually shop and while there were MANY things I wanted to buy, I chose two tops and a pair of faux pearl earrings.


I plan to go back and shop some more in the next few weeks - I need to add some color to my fall and winter wardrobe (which is, admittedly, quite full of black and gray)...and I think I'd like to buy one of each of these sweaters! (I especially love the pink, blue and eggplant colors).


And I'm guessing many of you want to update your fall wardrobe, since cooler temps are right around the corner.

Well, today is YOUR lucky day! I have on $50 gift card for The Limited to give away to one of you!

To enter this giveaway, there's just one simple step:
1. Leave a comment telling me what is your must have fall wardrobe item. You must include your email address in your comment. Comments without email addresses will NOT be entered into the drawing.

This giveaway ends Thursday, September 22 at midnight. One winner will be randomly chosen from all entries. I will contact the winner via email.

UPDATE Sept. 23: The winner was randomly selected using Random.org. Congrats to Kylee from Two Pretzels! You'll be contacted via email.

Disclaimer: I was invited by Falhgren Mortine to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Limited and received a gift card for my own use. All opinions in this post are my own.

Making memories with Paper Coterie (plus a giveaway!)

Tell me if this sounds familiar...

You took a magical family vacation (a few months ago or maybe a year ago) and you took at least 1,000 photos on your amazing digital camera and those pictures are STILL sitting in a folder on your computer, just waiting to be used. You keep thinking "I have to do something with those pictures before the kids turn 18 and head off to college (in 13 years!)." And yet, the days go by and the pictures still sit. And sit.

Can you relate?
I thought so.

Sure, digital pictures are amazing and so easy to store..but the downside is many of us tend to just store them, never turning the photos into amazing keepsakes.

Well never fear, dear readers, I am here to offer some creative help for those family photos.
You need to check out Paper Coterie.

What is it, you ask?
Well, Paper Coterie is my new favorite site to create beautiful keepsakes with my family photos!

Paper Coterie "believe(s) in the power of paper to document who we are, the people we love, and what we are learning along the way." They are, as their Facebook page says, a close circle of friends who share a common passion — documenting the beauty of life well lived.

I recently had the chance to explore the Paper Coterie site and there were so many amazing products, it was difficult to choose just one. I loved the calendars (especially the desktop calendars!), and the growth charts were adorable (and I would have ordered one if my girls were younger). I also loved the recipe books (what a great gift for a bride-to-be).

It took some time, but I finally decided on one of the memory boxes. We've been home from our Walt Disney World vacation since mid-June and I still have a pile of "keepsakes" on my dining room table and nowhere to put them. Sure, I could have gone out and bought a boring photo box (like I usually do), but to be able to create a memory box with photos of our vacation seemed like a better idea.

The Paper Coterie site is beautiful to look at and easy to navigate. Explore all the design options and when you're ready to create a project you can jump right it (after signing up as a member on the site). Upload the photos you want to use (I loved the fast upload!) and then get creative.

And to make things EVEN easier, Paper Coterie is celebrating "Begin Anywhere Month" throughout the month of August! They want to inspire YOU to start documenting today! Their gift to you is a $40 credit to spend on anywhere on their site! There is no minimum order and all you need to pay is shipping! You must place your order by midnight August 31. Enter the code BEGINANYWHERE at checkout.

But wait, there's more!

Paper Coterie is also giving 10 of my readers a code good for $40 off AND free shipping! To enter, please leave a comment below letting me know what product you'd love to order if you won. (Be sure to include your email so I can contact you). Winner will be chosen randomly.

Contest ends midnight, Friday August 26.

UPDATE: Saturday, August 27 - the contest has closed. Winners will be contacted via email. Thanks!


Disclosure: I was chosen to review Paper Coterie by MomSelect and was provided with a free item from Paper Coterie, in addition to the 10 codes for my readers. All opinions are my own.