Many apologies, gratitude, and a giveaway!

#1 - I'm a bad blogger.  I really wanted to use this blog to highlight our family and not my terrible moods.  So I'm extremely sorry for my last post.  I won't delete it, because I'm a real person and real people have fits.

#2 - Thank you Abby and Megan.  Abby, I love your blog.  I love being a little part of your life.  I hope that one day I can meet you.  Megan - my friend.  Funny - I know you virtually also but we have such a kinship that I hope lasts forever.  People like you don't just happen to me.

#3 - MyBlogSpark sent me a package to give-a-way forever and a day ago.  I have been so entwined in the "Nobody cares" attitude that I really didn't want to write the post.  But I'm going to.  Because its a commitment and I'm not a quitter.  I want to breathe new life into this blog.  This post is a new beginning.

As a child, I loved books.  As an adult, I feel I have very little time for fictional or non-fictional literature.  I've been hugely disappointed in movies that I have experienced through my vivid imagination via the pages of a book.

I remember the Young Authors contests that we had at my school.  I won first place for the "scariest" Halloween story one year.  Don't ask - I can't even remember remotely what it was about but I'm sure that the paper is still tucked away in a box at my mom's marked "4th grade stuff."

My Paige is a WONDERFUL reader and story teller.  She loves to read to Marshall and it is comical when he argues with her about what the book says.

Cheerios cereal has sponsored a dynamic New Author Contest program that will make authorship dreams come true for one lucky writer of a children's story by including their manuscript in Cheerios boxes and a publishing deal with Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing - and $5000.00!

March 22 - July 15, 2011, you can visit http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com/ to see if you have the "write stuff" to win this prize!

My kids are TOTALLY excited...because Cheerios through MyBlogSpark sent us a package that included a box of Cheerios that included the Cheerios 2009 New Author Contest winner Laurie Isop's book How Do You Hug a Porcupine? - AND a fantastic "create your own book" kit!!  This is going to be a fantastic activity for this summer, so it has carefully been packed away in my crafting supplies - forgotten by the kids, but remembered fondly by me for when school is out!

So, thanks to Cheerios through MyBlogSpark, I can give away (1) identical prize pack to (1) lucky reader!!

This give-a-way will be FAST because it MUST be submitted tomorrow!!!  So tell all of your friends, share on Facebook, and leave a comment!!

Methods of entry for this give-a-way are as follows (1 entry for each comment!!):

What is your MOST FAVORITE timeless children's classic?  What do you think makes it so special?

If you were to write a children's book, what would you write about?  Would it be about a lonely oak tree living in a forest?  Would it be about Steve the policeman (Hi Steve!!)?  You tell me!!

Share about this give-a-way and leave me a comment saying that you did!  You can tweet it, Facebook it, blog about it, email it - spread the word and lets get some imagination flowing from the fingers of our friends for our children!!

This give-a-way will close on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 12:00 noon central time!!  I must receive your information by 4:00 pm on May 24, 2011, so be sure to leave your email address and check it for the announcement of the winner NO LATER than 1:00 pm central!

Thanks again to Cheerios through MyBlogSpark for this opportunity to share about a program that will keep my children's imaginations alive.  And for being one of our favorite breakfast treats.  Seriously...

*CLOSED* Giveaway Ends Tonight 1/3!!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!  Comment away HERE!

*CLOSED* What have been up to? I think I'll post a giveaway!

Holy guacamole...December is busy.

And it hasn't calmed down AT ALL.

I'm just got off work.  I kicked Paige off the computer to write to you.  Write to you and post a giveaway that I've needed to do.  Since forever ago...

My brain is mush.  Forgive the dryness in my words.  Really.  I'm having a hard time remembering where all of the keys are on the keyboard.  Backspace is getting a real workout.  That key's a little bigger than the others anyway - its just a jump start on the big B's 2011 resolution.  There it goes again...nice workout today.

Hamburger Helper through MyBlogSpark, however, needs to tell you something.  Whether the big B gets overworked while this post is written or not...just sayin'.

All kidding aside now, time to be serious.

Have you ever been hungry?  (Now, I'm not talking about going to the cabinet and saying "no" the the 874 different options that you have to shove something in your mouth out of sheer boredom, okay...)

5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance from Feeding America any given week.

Wow.

Hamburger Helper has teamed up with Tim McGraw (yes, you know Tim McGraw - married to Faith Hill...the Grammy winner Tim McGraw) to deliver millions of meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand campaign.  Click here to view the PSA.

You can support the campaign by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at www.showyourhelpinghand.com or by logging on to make a donation.

By participating in this giveaway - Hamburger Helper has donated $10 to Show Your Helping Hand.

And, they gave me a pretty cool prize pack, too.

Yes, that's food.  And a foam hand for the kids.  And a Tim McGraw CD for...well, for you.  Because here's your chance to win an identical prize.

Leave a comment - How are you going to encourage others to submit codes and help feed all of the hungry people out there?

This contest will begin today, December 30, 2010 and run until 11:59 pm Central time, January 3, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified on January 4, 2011 by me via email and posted as a winner on this blog. After confirmation of the offer and a valid mailing address and phone number is received, I will send your information to MyBlogSpark to be shipped directly.  Thanks again to Hamburger Helper through MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway! Good Luck!!!

Okay big B button - time for a water break.  Or a nap.  I'm sorry you've been overworked, but I had to do it.  Its good for you.

*WINNER* Michael Chiarello's Bottega & Progresso!

Thanks to all who entered!!  My winner was picked by Random.org, and the winner is:

Comment #1!!

eclairre said...
I want to try to make the recipe Angry Shrimp with Tuscan White Beans.

Congratulations!!!  You have until 9:30 pm on November 24, 2010 to claim your prize!!

CLOSED Michael Chiarello's Bottega & Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko #myblogspark

A mouthful for a title, right?

There's good reason...wow, do I love to cook.  And I was SUPER excited when I received Michael Chiarello's newest cookbook Michael Chiarello's Bottega along with a box of Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko Breadcrumbs!!  Oh, and the cookbook is autographed!!

I cannot wait to dig into the pages of this book, it is AMAZING (and I do consider myself quite educated on amazing cookbooks...!!)!  According to Chef Chiarello, panko is his "go-to" bread crumb and Progresso claims that their Lemon Pepper Panko "combines the perfect crunch with effortless flavor to give any dish that extra punch.  The large, flaky crumb has a coarser texture than traditional bread crumbs, delivering a lighter, crunchier coating or topping."  Honestly, I cannot wait until we try this out on chicken!!

Chef Chiarello has even helped us "amateurs" by using Progresso's Panko in recipes such as Crispy Seafood Salad, Mama Chiarello's Stuffed Eggplant and Turkey Scallopini and Squash Ravioli with Cranberry Brown Butter.  The Progresso website also has additional tips for cooking with panko and a $1 coupon!

So...how about a giveaway???

Thanks to General Mills through MyBlogSpark, you have a chance to win an identical prize pack!!  Oh, imagine the aromas coming from YOUR kitchen!!

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post with the following (all required for a valid entry):

When you receive your Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko, what will you make?  Please include your email address for notification!

That's right, there's only 1 way to enter this giveaway!!

Additionally, be sure to check out the Progresso's Wine & Dine with Chef Michael Chiarello Sweepstakes. Now through December 31st, participants can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Napa Valley to attend the Spring Bud Break Party, an annual dinner and wine tasting event taking place on May 7, 2011. In addition to two tickets to the party, the grand prize also includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations. Visit www.progressobroth.com for the sweepstakes rules and entry form. 

This contest will begin today, November 10, 2010 and run until 11:59 pm Central time, November 21, 2010. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified on November 22, 2010 by me via email and posted as a winner on this blog. After confirmation of the offer and a valid mailing address and phone number is received, I will send your information to MyBlogSpark to be shipped directly.  Thanks again to General Mills through MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway! Good Luck!!! 

Please review our full disclosure policy on the left sidebar of this blog.  General Mills through MyBlogSpark gave us (1) box of Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko Breadcrumbs and (1) Autographed copy of Michael Chiarello's Bottega.  (1) Additional prize pack has been designated to be given away to (1) reader of this blog.

*WINNER* Pink Together, Connecting for a Cure Giveaway!

Thanks to all who entered!!  My winner was picked by Random.org, and the winner is:

Comment #10!!

Blogger Amy said...

I memorialize a physician I used to worked with who passed with breast cancer before she was 40. She was the person who held my baby shower for me when I was pregnant with my son. While her story did not end on a hopeful note, she fought hard and with hope.

Congratulations!!!  You have until 8:30 am on October 29, 2010 to claim your prize!!

Didn't win?  Remember, all this month General Mills is donating additional money for breast cancer research!  Read more HERE.

CLOSED Final Chance for the Pink Together Giveaway!

Closing tonight - enter this great giveaway sponsored by General Mills through MyBlogSpark by clicking HERE

CLOSED Pink Together, Connecting for a Cure Giveaway!

October...the beginning of my very favorite time of year.  This month holds so many special memories for me and so many warm feelings of fall are evident during October.

October is a special month for many women in this world for reasons other than the warm sweaters that we pull out of storage and the evenings watching the fall sunsets that I enjoy so much.  The frost in the mornings brings a solemn peace to me, but to many women who have been diagnosed and conquered the affliction of breast cancer, the killing frost may represent the closure of a battle they never chose to fight and never expected to survive.

I just took a deep breath.  Maybe I just realized what it does mean.  Scanning the community at PinkTogether.com, I realize how truly blessed I am.  Stories of greatness often arise in our deep desperation, and God will prevail in His greatness because His plan is perfect.  Breast cancer...as long-suffering as it may be...is a blessing in the lives of many when the frost diminishes and life begins fresh and anew.

I encourage you to make a personal connection at PinkTogether.com, and when you do, General Mills will donate $1 (up to $20,000) to the Susan G. Komen foundation for each inspirational story posted, encouraging comment, or virtual flower sent.  Each shared message of hope posted on PinkTogether's Facebook page will also spark a donation (up to $5,000).  General Mills is pledging this $25,000 in addition to the $2 million donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation to advance breast cancer research and support education and community outreach projects.

I participated in this blog post and giveaway last year on my old blog, and I am honored to  have the opportunity to post again this year.  I hope that instead of just subscribing to my blog or posting a comment, that you will feel encouraged to prayerfully consider visiting the PinkTogether community and Facebook page.  Wear pink...you may never know who's life you will touch.

Thanks to General Mills through MyBlogSpark, our family received a prize pack with the following:

A Pink Ribbon Car Magnet, Key Chain, Travel Mug (which is SO pretty!!), and Drawstring Backpack

In addition, we received these GREAT coupons for FREE products:

1 Big G Cereal (ours is Cheerios)

1 Green Giant Frozen Veggies

1 Macaroni Grill Dinner Kit

1 Box Fiber One Bars

1 Progresso Soup

All of the items in the prize pack are available for purchase through ShopKomen.com, where 25% of the merchandise purchase price benefits Komen. 

Here's your chance to win an identical prize pack, including the coupons for the free products!!

Methods of Entry

Every reader has 4 ways to enter (#1 is REQUIRED for a valid entry in this contest), make sure you leave (1) comment for (each) way you enter this giveaway!

1. Sign-up as a follower of our family's blog and leave a comment on this post.  If you are already a follower, tell me that you're a "Follower via (insert method).  Facebook,  RSS, Twitter etc.
2. Leave a comment #1:  Do you know someone who has a celebration story related to October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month?  Tell me about it (you don't have to mention names) or leave a memorial.
3. Post a comment or send flowers on PinkTogether's community or comment on their Facebook page.  Come back and leave me a comment here so that I know you did!
4. Pink YOUR page!!  Do you have a blog?  Spread notification of PinkTogether on YOUR blog, and leave me the link as a comment here!  Remember to link back to my giveaway, and let your readers know how General Mills is donating $1 per comment on PinkTogether and Facebook!

*******Please make sure you leave your email address for notification!!!!*******

This contest will begin today, October 19, 2010 and run until 11:59 pm Central time, October 26, 2010. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified on October 27, 2010 by me via email and posted as a winner on this blog. After confirmation of the offer and a valid mailing address and phone number is received, I will send your information to MyBlogSpark to be shipped directly.  Thanks again to General Mills through MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway! Good Luck!!!

**OVER** Yoplait Whips Giveaway!

Fall is here, and one of the ways that we wind down into fall with our kids is by baking.  They love cookies and cakes and pies and well, pretty much anything SWEET.  We also take advantage of other snacks that are light, but still have the ability to satisfy our sweet cravings.  I won't lie, we are ice cream LOVERS and sometimes, well, its just not convenient for us to have it here at home.  One thing that I have found, though, is that in lieu of have real ice cream, yogurt is PERFECT to satisfy that craving...right out of the freezer!

And, so your family can try our little secret of "freezing" yogurt, Yoplait though MyBlogSpark has given us an amazing little prize pack to giveaway to one of our lucky readers!

In the meantime, visit Yoplait's Facebook page and click "like!"

We've found that removing the yogurt from the freezer about 5 minutes before we dig in is the most effective way to enjoy this little snack - not too hard and not too soft!  This prize pack is wonderful because you will receive (just like we did):

A VIP coupon for a free sample of Yoplait Whips! yogurt
A canvas cooler bag
A set of four ice cream shaped popsicle molds

Methods of Entry

Every reader has 2 ways to enter (#1 is REQUIRED for a valid entry in this contest), make sure you leave (1) comment for (each) way you enter this giveaway!

1. Sign-up as a follower of our family's blog and leave a comment on this post.
2. Leave a comment #1:  How do you handle those sweet tooth cravings?  Have you ever tried freezing your favorite yogurt?  If so, what's your favorite flavor?

*******Please make sure you leave your email address for notification!!!!*******

This contest will begin today, September 21 and run until 11:59 pm Central time, September 30, 2010. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified on October 1, 2010 by me via email and posted as a winner on this blog. After confirmation of the offer and a valid mailing address is received, I will ship the product directly.  Thanks again to Yoplait through MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway! Good Luck!!!

Affiliate Post

**OVER**Our first giveaway - The Penguins of Madagascar!

Summer is almost over, but thanks to General Mills and Nickelodeon, you have a chance to bring some action to your breakfast table!!

Inside specially marked boxes of General Mills cereal, you can find one of five "Penguin Launchers" all with missions...so you and your family can have Target Practice, Dive-in, Clear the Wall, or Launch as far as you can!

Our family received two of the launchers, and had our own little Penguin mission in the living room!  Along with our launchers, we received a box of Trix Cereal (which we all love!!) and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie!!

And here's your chance to win, too!!

Methods of Entry

Every reader has 3 ways to enter (#1 is REQUIRED for a valid entry in this contest), make sure you leave (1) comment for (each) way you enter this giveaway!

1. Sign-up as a follower of our family's blog and leave a comment on this post.
2. Leave a comment #1:  Who is your favorite Penguin character?
3. Leave a comment #2:  What makes your kids laugh the hardest at breakfast?  Do you think penguins flying through the air will tickle their funny bone?

*******Please make sure you leave your email address for notification!!!!*******

This contest will begin today, August 23, 2010 and run until 11:59 pm Central time, August 30, 2010. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified on September 1, 2010 by me via email and posted as a winner on this blog. After confirmation of the offer and a valid mailing address is received, I will ship the product directly.  Thanks again to General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway! Good Luck!!!

Affiliate Post