Kroger Milk Promotion & $25 Gift Card Giveaway!!

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are making multiple trips to the grocery store to pick up supplies for all the fabulous meals we have planned. I know I love it when my local store has a great deal advertised on things I'd buy anyway. It helps stretch the budget at a time when money tends to be a little tight. That's why I'm so pleased that Kroger has a promotion going on now through November 26th in stores to help you score FREE milk!

Purchase participating General Mills products that your family knows and loves (like Cheerios, Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies, Nature Valley Bars and Fiber One Bars) and Kroger will reward you for your purchases! For every 4 qualifying products you buy, you will receive free milk (up to 2 gallons at a maximum price of $3 each) or $3 off your shopping order. How great is that?!?

Visit Kroger.com for more information and great ways to save and be sure to check out the Kroger Facebook page to join the conversation and share which General Mills products you’d like to stock up on during the promotion.

Giveaway:

Someone will win a $25 Kroger gift card to help with those holiday purchases! Just leave a comment telling me: What is your favorite General Mills product?

For extra entries, you can:

1) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
2) Subscribe to e-mail updates
3) Follow me on Twitter
4) Blog or tweet this giveaway and post the link in your comment

Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23rd at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Good luck!

Disclosure: The Kroger gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Date Night with Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill! *Giveaway*

I remember it like it was almost yesterday...my first date with the man who would turn out to be my husband. The butterflies in my stomach, the nervous excitement and the hope of what this new relationship could turn out to be. We went to dinner and saw a movie and then grabbed some ice cream afterwards. He brought me home and we sat in his car in my driveway for hours and talked about anything and everything.

Fast forward 11 years and we're married now with twin 5-year-old boys. Things are still great, but in a very different and hectic way. My husband Mike works two jobs and I work part-time, my kids go to school and we still try to maintain a little bit of a social life. We know we need to make time for each other as a couple, but sometimes it's just tough to make plans to go out.

That's why I'm glad for a restaurant-quality meal that I can quickly and easily prepare in the comfort of my own home. Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill Dinner Kits allow my husband and I to enjoy a tasty meal together after the kids go to bed. If you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, you can choose from Wanchai Ferry's Cashew Chicken, Spicy Garlic Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken or Orange Chicken. If you're more inclined toward Italian food, the tasty selections from Macaroni Grill include Chicken Piccata and Angel Hair Pasta, Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta, Chicken Alfredo with Linguine, Garlic & Herb Chicken Penne and Chicken Marsala with Linguine.

I personally recommend the Macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta. It's so good you'll think you're eating out at the restaurant and it looks really pretty on the plate. Pair it with some bread and salad and some candlelight and you have a yummy date night dinner in!

If you'd like to purchase a Wanchai Ferry or Macaroni Grill Dinner kit for yourself, use this coupon to get $1.50 off!

Giveaway:

I'm going to help you make your next date night great! One of you will win a Wanchai Ferry/Macaroni Grill prize pack, which includes 1 Wanchai Ferry dry dinner kit, 1 Macaroni Grill dry dinner kit and a $25 Visa gift card to purchase anything else you may need to make the evening a success!

To enter, just tell me which dinner kit you think you'd enjoy the most!

For extra entries, you can:

1) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

2) Subscribe to e-mail updates

3) Follow me on Twitter

4) Blog or tweet this giveaway and post the link in your comment

Giveaway ends Thursday, November 4th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Good luck!

The products, prize packs and information were provided to me from Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

Album Review: KT Tunstall's "Tiger Suit"

Having been a fan of KT Tunstall's music in the past, I was excited for the opportunity to review her latest album, Tiger Suit. The multi-platinum, Scottish-born singer debuted her third album in stores earlier this month and the result is a very unique sound with a bit of a departure from her previous work.

Classifying this new style as "nature techno", KT manages to blend dance rhythms with a raw, edgy vulnerability for a music genre all her own. In my opinion, many of these songs don't fit a mainstream radio mold, but for those who long for something a little different than the norm, this record fits the bill.

I'll admit that I prefer some of KT Tunstall's earlier work over the new style set forth in this album, but there are still a few tracks worth listening to. "Lost" speaks to the complications of being blinded by love. Also, "Uumannaq Song" and "Come On, Get In" have a great beat that make you want to get up and dance.

You can check out KT's official website, Twitter or Facebook for more information on tour dates and where to buy her album.

One2One Network provided the album for review. I did not receive any compensation for this post and all opinions are purely my own.

Reunion Island Coffee: Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try the Colombia Las Hermosas coffee by Reunion Island. I am not a coffee drinker, but I LOVE the smell of coffee, and I have to say that this coffee smelled wonderful while it was brewing! My husband sampled the coffee and he enjoyed it, but said it tastes like no other coffee he's tried before. He said there was some element to the taste that he couldn't place...it's definitely a great blend for the adventurous coffee drinker who loves to try new varieties. This particular coffee won't be replacing the coffee my husband always picks up at his favorite coffee shop, but for at-home brewing, this bean fits the bill.

The other cool thing about Reunion Island Coffee is the way they source their coffee. The Colombia Las Hermosas coffee that we sampled comes from a 32-farmer co-op in Tolima, Colombia. These farmers are being given the resources they need to compete with larger corporate farms and are paid a fair price for their coffee.

Check out all of the great varieties of coffee Reunion Island offers! You can even purchase single-cup coffee pods! Thanks to Reunion Island for allowing us to sample their product.

I did not receive any compensation for this post and all opinions are 100% mine. I was given the coffee for review along with a travel mug.

Business Cards from UPrinting.com *Giveaway*

I was just thinking the other day that I wish I had my own business cards. People often ask me how I get such great deals in the checkout line and it'd be so easy just to hand them a business card advertising my blog so they can check it out when they get home.

UPrinting.com must have read my mind, because they contacted me about their great business cards! I took a look at their selection and was astounded at the way business cards have changed. They're so modern and edgy, with fun shapes to choose from...not your basic boring rectangle anymore! Uprinting.com offers square cards. slim cards and specialty shapes, including circular business cards. How cool is that?!?

Wanna hear something even cooler? UPrinting.com has generously offered to give one of my readers 500 business cards of their own!

Here are the specifics on what you'll win:

Sizes: 2 x 3.5", 2 x 3", 2 x 2" (square card), or 1.5 x 3.5" (slim card)

Paper: 14 pt. gloss cardstock, 14 pt. matte cardstock or 13 pt. recycled uncoated cardstock

Specifications: Full Color Both Sides, Offset Press, 3 Business Day Printing

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents Only


To enter, tell me why you'd like to have your own business cards!

For extra entries:

1) Subscribe to One Day, One Dollar at a Time

2) Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect

3) Follow me on Twitter

4) Tweet or blog about this giveaway and link back here!

Giveaway ends Wednesday, May 12th at Noon EST. Winner will be selected at random and notified via e-mail. Good luck!

My Job Chart: Review

My twin boys are turning 5 next week (sigh) and they're finally getting to that stage of independence where they can handle some small responsibilities. We just recently started assigning them some jobs to do around the house and are working out a reward system for the tasks they complete. I was so excited to find an online program where I can keep track of my kids' completed chores and keep everything organized. The program is called My Job Chart, and it's getting my children excited about helping out around the house, which is always a plus!

The site is great because it allows you to enter each member of your family with their individual chores and even download their picture, so the little ones know which chart is theirs even if they aren't able to read yet. The rewards work on a point system which you are able to adjust to fit your preferences. My Job Chart makes a recommendation that you make each point count for a penny, which is an easy way to figure out how much allowance is due each child quickly.

I'm really glad to have found this website and to start teaching my kids to have a positive attitude about working together as a family! If you want to check out My Job Chart for yourself and create your own chart now, you can get started here!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post, but was provided with a $10 Target gift card in exchange for my honest opinion about the site.

CSN Stores: Review and AWESOME Giveaway!

CSN Stores recently contacted me to see if I was interested in offering a giveaway to my readers. I browsed their stores (not all of them since they have over 200!) and couldn't believe the awesome selection of products, ranging from entertainment centers to frying pans to bath toys. So of course I took them up on their offer and am pleased to offer one of their many unbelievable products to a lucky winner!

First though, let me just tell you a little more about CSN Stores, because whether or not you win, you'll definitely want to start shopping with them online!


As I mentioned before, the product selection is unbelievable throughout the broad range of stores. If you can dream it up in your pretty little head, you can find it in one of their stores! Another great thing (and the most important thing in my opinion) is that the prices are very reasonable. Everything they sell is priced well below retail, so you'll always know you're getting a great deal when you shop CSN Stores.

The other thing that I REALLY liked was the product search feature they offer. It could be intimidating to browse through such an extensive array of products, but there are so many ways to narrow down your search that finding what you're looking for is a breeze! You can search by size, color, price range, customer ratings...the list goes on and on! I was able to find the things I was looking for in no time thanks to such a handy, time-saving device.

Giveaway

Ok, I've made you wait long enough...it's time to tell you about the SUPER COOL product CSN Stores is allowing me to give to one of my readers! From their store ToysandGamesOnline.com, I am able to give away this Step2 Flip and Doodle Easel Desk and Stool!

Wanna win it? I knew you would! :) For your main entry, visit CSN Stores and tell me one other product you found that you'd love to have.

For extra entries, you can:

1.) Subscribe to One Day, One Dollar at a Time

2.) Follow me via Google Friend Connect (left sidebar)

3.) Blog about this giveaway and link back here (2 entries)

4.) Refer a friend. If they enter the giveaway as well, you both get 2 extra entries! (Just leave your name and your friend's name in the comment).

5.) Follow me on Twitter

6.) Enter my other giveaway for a $25 gift card!

Giveaway will end Tuesday, April 20th at 10 pm EST. Open to US residents only. Winner will be selected at random and contacted via e-mail. Good luck!


I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post, but CSN stores did provide the product for the giveaway in exchange for my review.

TJ Maxx & Marshalls: I'm in shopping heaven!

There are 2 kinds of shopping: the boring, have-to-get-it-done kind and the fun, euphoric, look-at-all-this-great-stuff kind. For me, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are the epitome of the fun kind. I LOVE to shop, but I don't always have the time or the money to do it. When TJ Maxx and Marshalls contacted me to go shopping in their stores, I couldn't have been more excited! I was given a gift card for each store and I couldn't believe how much great stuff I could find at both!

Since I always buy stuff for my kids, I made the decision that I'd use this opportunity to shop for myself. I will admit, I felt a little guilty about it, but we mommies have to take care of ourselves every once in a while, too, right? I needed so many things so I wasn't exactly sure where to start. These stores are great because you can find pretty much anything you're looking for all in one place. I looked at everything from boots to bathroom rugs!

At Marshalls I ended up getting a cute orange wrap sweater for only $19.99 and a 6-pack of some really comfy socks for $6.99. I was really impressed at the variety of Christmas gifts they had to choose from. They had a great selection of toys for the kids and all kinds of unique gifts for adults, from beautiful picture frames to gourmet chocolates.

At TJ Maxx I ended up buying more since I was shopping without kids this time! I got a super cozy pair of Nautica pajamas that retail for $50 for only $19.99! I also got a pretty new bra for the unheard-of price of $7.99 and a silky nightie for $12.99. I found a great set of thick velvety gloves (which I was in desperate need of) for $14.99 as well. I had a great time shopping at TJ Maxx since I could take my time and look at all of the great things they had there. I can't wait to go back again!

If you are still looking to finish up that Christmas shopping or you just need a mommy's day out to find a few things for yourself, I highly recommend checking out a Marshalls or TJ Maxx near you! You won't be disappointed and you won't believe the awesome selection of items available!

You can also check out a fun contest that's going on to help get you in the holiday spirit --"Carol-oke!" One lucky person will win a $5,000 shopping spree - just for singing their favorite Christmas songs! Just go here, select from one of three carols, create your own "Carol-oke" video and upload for entry into the contest. Additionally, for each off-price "Carol-oke" video that is uploaded, a charity donation will be made. So warm up your singing voice and enter for the chance to win!

A special thanks to Marshalls and TJ Maxx for giving me this opportunity! :)

Five For Fighting "Slice" Review

Five For Fighting is back with a new album, Slice! Thanks to the One2One Network I had the opportunity to listen to it and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

I've always been a fan of the music Five For Fighting puts out. John Ondrasik lays down the vocals and has such an easily recognizable voice--he brings something unique to the table with his sound. There wasn't a track on this CD that I didn't like! Most of the songs have more of a ballad-type feel to them, which is the style of music I typically like to listen to. It's the perfect soundtrack for anything you're doing, whether it's cleaning around the house, driving in your car, or hanging out with friends and family.

Each song tells a different story and evokes all kinds of emotions. Titles on the album include:

1. Slice

2. Note To The Unknown Soldier

3. Tuesday

4. Chances

5. This Dance

6. Above The Timberline

7. Transfer

8. Hope

9. Story Of Your Life

10. Love Can't Change The Weather

11. Augie Nieto

Give this album a listen and I know you'll be hooked! If you want to see Five For Fighting in person, they've just started their concert tour. Dates are as follows:

18-Oct Toronto, ON El Mocambo

20-Oct New York, NY City Winery

22-Oct Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) YMCA Boulton Center

23-Oct Uncasville, CT The Wolf Den

24-Oct Washington, DC Jammin Java

26-Oct Boston, MA The Paradise

27-Oct Philadelphia, PA World Café Live (downstairs)

29-Oct Nashville, TN The Belcourt

30-Oct Chicago, IL Lakeshore

3-Nov Salt Lake City, UT The State Room

5-Nov Seattle, WA Crocodile

6-Nov Portland, OR Aladdin Theater

10-Nov San Francisco, CA Swedish American Hall

11-Nov Los Angeles, CA Largo at the Coronet

If you'd like the chance to win tickets to a concert, check out Five For Fighting's website and sign up! (You'll see the link on the right sidebar).

Your Songs by Harry Connick, Jr. *Review and Giveaway*

I decided to have a spur-of-the-moment candlelight dinner today, inspired by the new music in my CD player. One2One Network sent me a copy of Harry Connick, Jr.'s newest album, Your Songs, to review and it really put me in a romantic mood. Now I'll be honest...this isn't the type of music I typically listen to, but I can't help but appreciate the level of talent it takes to pull off music of this caliber.

This album is full of classic, recognizable tunes that are sure to help you relax and unwind. The perfect soundtrack for a date night at home! The songs you'll hear include:

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)

Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)

And I Love Her (The Beatles)

(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)

Besame Mucho

The Way You Look Tonight

First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)

Your Song (Elton John)

Some Enchanted Evening

And I Love You So (Don McLean)

Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)

Smile (Charlie Chaplin)

Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Visit Harry's website to learn more about the man and the music!

Win It:
If you'd like a chance to sample this CD, I have one copy to give away! To enter, all you have to do is tell me which track from Your Songs you're most excited to hear.

Extra Entries:
1.) Subscribe to my blog (or let me know if you already do).
2.) Follow my blog (or let me know if you already do).
3.) Post about my giveaway on your blog and link back here.
4.) Add my button to your sidebar.

5.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway.

Giveaway will end Friday, October 2nd at 10 p.m. EST. Winner will be selected at random and will be contacted via e-mail (so make sure that I have yours)! Good luck!

Spice Up Your Life by Bindu Grandhi *A Cookbook Giveaway*

I am pleased to introduce my readers to a new flavorful cookbook from author Bindu Grandhi! Spice Up Your Life is a wonderful collection of easy-to-prepare recipes that feature healthy flexitarian ingredients (fruits, vegetables, lentils, legumes, nuts, chicken, fish and spices). These dishes are very unique and promise to pack lots of flavor! Check out this tasty recipe from the book:

Garlic and Chili Cheese Toast

Prep Time: 10 minutes Toasting Time: 15–20 minutes Serves: 4 (2 slices per person)


1 loaf of preferred bread, sliced (e.g., multigrain or white)

4 c. reduced-fat sharp (white or yellow) cheddar cheese,* shredded

4 green chilies, finely chopped (less if you prefer a mild taste)

3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. salt, or salt to taste

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. red chili powder

1. Combine all the ingredients above in a medium mixing bowl. Blend well and spoon 1/2 c. of the mixture onto each slice.

2. In a toaster oven, toast slices on medium/medium-high setting and serve hot.

This recipe is just one of many that will be sure to get your family excited about eating healthy! Good-for-you food doesn't have to be boring!

Spice Up Your Life is available at retail stores or online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Win it:

Bindu has graciously offered to give one of my lucky readers their own copy of Spice Up Your Life. To enter, visit theflexcook.com and tell me something you learned or another recipe you'd like to try.

Extra Entries:

1.) Subscribe to my blog (or let me know if you already do).
2.) Follow my blog (or let me know if you already do).
3.) Post about my giveaway on your blog and link back here.
4.) Add my button to your sidebar.

Giveaway will end Friday, September 18th at 10 p.m. EST. Winner will be selected at random and will be contacted via e-mail (so make sure that I have yours)! Good luck!

got2b Smoothing Lustre Lotion Review and Giveaway

I just joined the Bzz Agent campaign for got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion for hair, and let me just say, this is a good one, ladies!

First off, I just have to comment on the packaging--it is so girly and so cute! There's a pretty little charm attached to a shiny pink bottle that catches your eye right away:

But more important than the look of the bottle is what's inside--Smoothing Lustre Lotion. This product is designed to shape, smooth, control fly-aways, and give your hair a healthy shine. I have to say, I was pretty skeptical about this product because I have very fine hair and I didn't want to lose any of the body in my style. I applied just a tiny bit of lotion (probably a dime-sized amount) to my hair when it was towel-dried. The fruity scent of the product is great--I immediately thought of JuJubes when I smelled it. I blew my hair dry and I was pleasantly surprised to find that this lotion didn't weigh my hair down at all and it really did add a nice shine without looking greasy. I love the fact that you don't have to use a lot to acheive a great result.

got2b has a whole line of these Smooth Operator products, including Smoothing Satin Drops (a de-frizz serum), Smoothing Hair Spray, and Smoothing Luxury Mousse, for soft, smooth control. You can find these products at drugstores like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid for a suggested retail price of only $5.99 (which isn't bad if your hair looks great day after day)!

Bzz Agent sent some extra bottles along in my kit, so I'd like to share them with you! There will be 2 winners of a 3-oz. bottle of the Smoothing Lustre Lotion. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite new product you've tried lately (it doesn't have to be for your hair). Don't forget to make sure I have your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

For extra entries, you can:

1.) Subscribe to my blog (or let me know if you already do).

2.) Follow my blog (or let me know if you already do).

3.) Post about my giveaway on your blog and link back here.

Make sure you leave a separate comment for each one!

Giveaway will end Friday, April 24th at 10 p.m. EST. Winners will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries. Good luck!

Nature's Source Review and Giveaway

I recently joined the Bzz Agent campaign for Nature's Source Natural Cleaners made by S.C. Johnson. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a HEAVY package in the mail with all 4 types of cleaners to try: Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner by Windex, Natural Bathroom Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles, Natural All-Purpose Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles, and Toilet Bowl Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles.

I have to say, in the past I have been a little skeptical of the natural cleaning products, wondering if they would be as effective as traditional formulas. However, when I tried these products out around my house, I couldn't believe how similar the results were. I was especially impressed with the Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner by Windex, because it worked just as well as my regular Windex, with no streaking, and had a great citrusy smell.

The most important reason I like these products is the fact that they are better for the environment. It's a simple way to make an impact but you don't have to sacrifice quality in the process. All the cleaners are made with natural agents like coconut oil and purified water and they are manufactured in a facility that uses renewable energy from a landfill. In addition, the bottles are recyclable and nothing is tested on animals. You can feel good knowing you're buying something that is responsibly produced.

I would definitely recommend this line of Nature's Source Cleaners to anyone who wants to keep their home clean while doing something good for this planet. What's not to love about that? And here's something else to love: it's giveaway time!!! I have 6 coupons for a FREE Nature's Source product of your choice to give to 6 lucky winners! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Nothing complicated, just say something. I do love to read your comments, though, so the more you have to say, the better! And don't forget to make sure I have your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

For extra entries, you can:

1.) Subscribe to my blog (or let me know if you already do).

2.) Follow my blog (or let me know if you already do).

3.) Post about my giveaway on your blog and link back here.

Make sure you leave a separate comment for each one!

Giveaway will end Friday, April 3rd at 10 p.m. EST. Winners will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries. Good luck!