Joe's Place

Cymax Stores: Review

2011-12-15T14:12:00.016-05:00

If you have read my blog, you know I love Cymax Stores! They are a great company that offers alot of nice furniture at great prices. I also love learning the back stories of how companies become successful & how they got their start. I recently read the interesting story that Ecommercetimes.com published featuring Cymax Stores

The article, in part, mentions how this year, Cymax Stores will bring in about $48 million in revenue with 99 percent of that coming from customers in the United States. Wow, I find that very impressive!

They even have a profile on Crunchbase.com which is a free database of technology companies, people, and investors.

Cymax Stores was also named one of the world’s Top 500 online businesses by Internet Retailer. That says alot about how great this company is.

These are just some of the brands Cymax Stores offers:

Weber, Pulaski Furniture Corp., Dream On Me, SONAX, Atlantic and many more

How many of you use Google+? Please +1 Cymax Stores on Google+

Also, check out their Holiday Sale going on right now on their site. They even have a Vintage Play Kitchen set in red for that future cook in your life :)

I was pleased to see that Cymax Stores offers FREE SHIPPING (on most items) and NO sales tax(except VA)! I love companies that offer free shipping!

You can even find Cymax Stores on my latest addiction: Cymax Stores Pinterest page! Pinterest is so much fun & I hope you'll check out their page!

You can LIKE CYMAX STORES ON FACEBOOK

Or FOLLOW CYMAX STORES ON TWITTER

*The opinions expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of Cymax Stores

WELCOME TO JOE'S PLACE!!!

2011-12-08T16:53:00.001-05:00

I am glad you stopped by my blog! I will be having more giveaways coming soon! So please make sure you are following (GFC Widget on right sidebar) and/or subscribing to my blog via email(right sidebar also) Also stay tuned for more exciting things coming in 2012!

My Cheap Husband

2011-12-02T15:58:00.002-05:00

My Cheap Husband

Written by Sonny Quinn

I love my husband very much, but even I can admit that he is cheap. Sometimes I have a lot of respect for his frugality and how it has helped us get ahead. We’ve been able to save a lot of money and pay down a lot of our debt. Even though I know he is smart with money, there are some areas where I think he takes it too far. I know that it’s important to save, but I also think it’s acceptable to spend on certain things. We were dead broke when we got married, so I was willing to do without so that eventually we could have a nice life. We didn’t even have internet or cable at home, and we hardly ever ate out or splurged on extras. Lately we’ve been doing better financially, so I think it’s time to bring some of the luxuries back into our life. He fought me on it, but when I found these direct tv des moines deals he had a hard time arguing with me. I was so excited that we were finally going to have all of the channels I’ve been missing for a few years!

Winners of the FRS Giveaway!

2011-11-21T14:12:00.004-05:00

The lucky winners in the FRS Energy giveaway are:

@FabFindFoodie

@MoneySvngMindy

@craftsbykatie

@matterofcents

@didyouyarnthat

Congrats! I will be contacting you all right now and I will need your info as quickly as possible to pass along to the sponsor. Thank you to ALL who entered! 114 comments!:) I have more giveaways coming soon here on Joe's Place! Stay tuned!

Review and Giveaway: FRS Healthy Energy (5 Winners!) ENDS 11/20(CLOSED)

2011-11-11T15:24:00.015-05:00

I have never been a person that liked to take traditional energy drinks due to the bad things I have heard about them increasing your heart rate, etc., so I was REALLY excited when I was given the chance to review an all natural energy drink.

My fave FRS product was the chews. I liked them the best because they were so convenient and portable. They helped give me that extra energy boost I needed late in the afternoon.

The enhanced Ready-To-Drink beverage in the Citrus Pomegranate flavor was DELICIOUS! It was pre-mixed in an 11.5 ounce can.

I also tried the powder in a citrus flavor that you pour right into your bottled water. With just 10 calories each, they’re also the lowest calorie way to get energy if you’re watching your waistline.

Read more below about their great products:

ABOUT FRS® Health Performance:

So what makes FRS different and why it appeals to moms (and parents):
- Instead of using caffeine and sugar, the energy drinks and chews are fueled by Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in foods like blueberries, red apples and grapes, that works by naturally triggering your cells’ ability to produce sustained energy, so it’s a healthy alternative.
- Amidst a sea of beverages filled with high levels of sugar and high fructose corn syrup linked to America’s obesity epidemic, FRS® remains committed to providing sustained, natural energy with low calorie and low sugar options.

You can visit the website at http://www.frs.com

One of FRS top mom advocates is Christie Rampone, the 35-year-old mother of two who has served as captain of the U.S. National Women’s Soccer team. Dubbed as the “First Lady of Soccer” and the “Ultimate Sports Mom,” Rampone has joined the FRS® Healthy Performance Team as an FRS® Ambassador to inspire others to fuel their best with the healthy benefits of FRS products. Most recently FRS® was discovered by Nick Cannon, star of “America’s Got Talent” and father of two.

Would you like to win your very own Mom Health pack?

FIVE WINNERS will receive the new Mom Health Pack from FRS® Health Performance (Tired of Being Tired). The new pack includes 4 Healthy Energy shots, 2 packages of chews, and powder – a 10 day supply assuming 2 servings a day.

To win, (Mandatory Entry) please tell me, in a comment below, why you would like to win the Mom Health Pack (retail value of $35)

EXTRA ENTRIES (YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM!):**DAILY TWEET ENTRY ADDED BELOW**

1. Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect (widget on right sidebar on main page) Please leave me your GFC name!*Note, refresh the page if the widget isn't showing. (1 entry)

2. Follow @JoeyfromSC on twitter & leave your twitter name please(1 entry)

3. Put my new button on your blog(See html code on my right sidebar) and leave me a link where I can find it please. (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to my blog via email(see box on top right of my blog on the main page)*That way you won't miss when I post new giveaways! (1 entry)

5. TWEET daily about my giveaway: Sample tweet:

Win a new Mom Health Pack from @FRS and @JoeyfromSC http://tinyurl.com/cp76284 Joe's Place! Ends 11/20 (1 entry daily)

Remember to leave SEPARATE comments for EACH entry you complete. ALSO, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER!(*Or have it visible in your blogger profile!)

This giveaway will end on Sunday, November 20th, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST.*Note, I will choose a winner via RANDOM.ORG after the giveaway is over, and I will email the lucky winner. The winner will need to respond to my email as quickly as possible or an alternate winner will be chosen! The sponsor will be providing the prize pack to the lucky winners. Giveaway is for US Residents ONLY!

**I received this product free of charge in order to facilitate my review. I will also be compensated for this post, but that in no way influenced my opinion. All opinions are my own.

Review: Wham-O Toys: Frisbee Extreme Coaster

2011-10-05T14:08:00.013-04:00

I think most of us grew up playing with Frisbee, but did you know they have come a long way in their design? I recently had the opportunity to review a product from Wham-O and I chose the Frisbee Extreme Coaster for my Godson. He will be turning 7 later this month, so I decided to give it to him as an early birthday gift so that we he could have a blast with it. He was THRILLED when he got it.(*More on his thoughts below)

This is not the Frisbee you may remember as a child. It is a 13 inch diameter disc and flies really far! Here are some details about this fun toy:

Designed to get extreme distance and still be easy to throw and comfortable to catch.

Specially engineered for amazing distance

Soft outer rim

Precision molded airfoil rim for maximum flight

High performance core

Legendary flight rings enhance grip & increase performance

Wham-O

http://facebook.com/whamoinc

http://twitter.com/whamotweets

http://twitter.com/whamowiley

**I received this product free of charge from Wham-O Toys in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own(& my Godson's). Thank you to Wham-O toys for this review opportunity.

TODAY ONLY: 140 VistaPrint Labels for FREE(pay S&H only)

2011-09-27T12:56:00.006-04:00

TODAY ONLY you can get 140 labels from VistaPrint and all you pay is a small Shipping & Handling Fee(*around $3 depending on your location)

With over 7,000 of designs to choose from, these labels are extremely versatile. You are sure to find a design that suits your style. Unsure where to start? Sort by style or theme or search for a specific color or image!

They would be great not only as address labels for anytime of year or for sending out your holiday cards, but also for kids to use to tag their toys!

and I really thought these were cute to represent each of the family members:

Be sure to
check out Vista Print TODAY only & order your labels!

*This is a sponsored post.

Girl's Trip

2011-09-26T14:57:00.005-04:00

Author: Elias Massey

Having lived on the east coast for all of our lives, my three girlfriends and I decided it was time for a change. We spent four years in our favorite college town and needed a change of scenery. So, Texas it was. We gave our two weeks notice, packed it up, hugged friends and family goodbye, and headed west. Sounds a but Oregon Trail-esque, no? Well, no one got typhoid fever or starved to death. We arrived safely in Austin and unpacked into our precious 100-year-old house. Of course, my dad is all worried that it’s no energy efficient or as safe as a new build, so we wants to install an alarm system and get on www.texaselectricityproviders.com/ to find the best deals on power since there are four girls using it. It’s the least of my worries, really. I’m more concerned that I find the perfect outdoor patio to read and work on blogs on, the perfect cappuccino, and perfect sushi restaurant, and maybe (just maybe) the perfect guy. Til then, I’m kicking it in Texas with the three coolest ladies I know.

Review: www.Cinderella11pm.com

2011-09-11T18:38:00.008-04:00

I love surfing the internet & stumbling across amazing websites. Well, recently, I did just that & found http://cinderella11pm.com/ and was immediately impressed!! The first thing I really love about it, is the Cinderella/Princess theme. Her About Me page really tells the story of who she is & what types of subjects you will find her blogging about on any given day.

She even blogged about going to my fave city in the whole world, New York! Go on a tour of this fabulous city via a carriage ride from New York Carriage Company, complete with pictures. (Btw, she takes AMAZING pictures!)

I was in heaven imagining myself staying at the Glenmere Mansion just as she did. I believe the bathroom is larger than my entire apartment:)

Read all about her stay at the Resort at Pelican Hill & I guarantee you that you will want to go just to take a swim in the amazing, large pool complete with private cabanas on the side.

I am a HUGE foodie, so when I saw all of her posts about the fine dining that she does, I was drooling! I was in awe of the scenery, the food, and just the loveliness of her experience at Flavor Del Mar in Del Mar, CA. The salad consisted of local citrus & avocado, with grapefruit, orange, watercress, frisee, toasted macadamia nuts and lemongrass vinaigrette. Can you say YUM?

Her post about being lonely really hit home with me, because I suffer from loneliness alot & I think so many of us can relate!

So, if you are feeling lonely & wanna cheer up, check out her post on Johan Blohm playing the Boogie Woogie Piano. This video will cheer anyone up, instantly!

What I really love about her site, is the eclectic mix of topics she writes about. Her Politically Incorrect Cartoon section will really make you laugh. Here is what she says on her site about this section:

I love my country. That doesn’t stop me from having a very dry sense of humor or highlighting the latest debacles, be they in the entertainment industry, the political arena, the financial sector or with regard to the environment, technology, heads of state, well, you name it.

Flopsy is her adorable, 4-legged furry child, who was sick last year. How can you look at this face & not smile?

Be sure to visit her site & become a part of this fun "community" she is developing over there. While you are there, enter one of her many Giveaways that she offers from time to time.

She gives away spa days, resturant giftcards, Amazon.com giftcards & more! SO much fun & so generous of her!

I hope you will check out her website, comment, join in all of the fun & tell her Joey sent you!

I'd love it(& I know she would too!) if you liked her Facebook page also! She just reached her "100th like" on facebook, so stop by & help in her quest to get more facebook fans. Thank you!

Please VOTE for her blog as Best Travel Blog 2011 in the Blogger's Choice Awards competition! I think you do have to register to vote, but it's very simple!

Click on the button below to go to her awesome site:(*Btw, I'd love to live in her shoes(or would that be glass slippers? ha) for even ONE day lol!)

*This is a sponsored post & I will be compensated for my review, but that in no way influenced anything that I wrote. I gave my honest opinions of her site. Special thanks to Laura for allowing me to write about her awesome website! Note: ALL pics used are the property of http://www.cinderella11pm.com/

9/11-In Remembrance & Where I was

2011-09-04T12:40:00.015-04:00

September 11, 2001. A date that most of us know exactly where we were at that time. The horrible events of that day will forever be etched into our memories. It's hard to believe that in less than a week, on next Sunday, September 11, 2011, it will be the 10th anniversary of this awful tragedy in American history. Ten years!

Will I always know where I was that day? Yes! I can remember it like it was yesterday.

I was working as a manager at a convenience store here in my town & had to work 3rd shift late on 9/10/01.
My shift was over between 7-8 am that next morning and I went home, just as I would any other morning, rather tired but still had to unwind before I could sleep. When I arrived home, my neighbor was outside & wanted to chat a bit. He and I talked for around 30 minutes I believe it was. We parted ways & I went inside to turn the t.v. on to watch the Today Show/GMA just as I had done many mornings before...and then....I saw it...all unfolding on LIVE television. Time stood still for a while. Was this real what I was seeing on my television screen?

It felt more like a nightmare. Instantly, I thought of my family. My Aunt was in Virginia, but luckily my brothers were just a couple of miles away. I called them all immediately & it felt good to bond during such a tragic time. I had already had a horrible year because I was involved in a bad car accident in which my best friend who was about to turn 22, was killed. He died in my lap(something you never forget) & I was already having a hard time processing his death & trying to come out of a 7 month depression when more bad news was playing out on the screen in front of me.

One of the first things I thought of when I got off the phone with my family, as I watched it all unfold on the screen, was how helpless the people in the buildings must have felt. They all had loved ones, family, and friends who cared about them & their life was going to be cut short. Sadness overwhelmed me and I didn't know how to process what I was feeling. For days, even weeks, the coverage was on t.v. & with each name that was read/face that was shown/story that was told, all I could feel was immense empathy for them & their loved ones. It was like something out of a horror movie that played over and over in my mind.

9-11 is a day I will never, ever forget. I think most of us feel the same way as American citizens. Where were you on that day? Share your story with me here on the blog. Let's never forget! Always remember the ones that lost their lives & also, the many heroes of that day. Thank you in advance for sharing your memories of that day.

*This is being posted early because I was invited by http://www.blogwithmom.com/ to write about this in conjunction with http://www.bootcampaign.com/ . All thoughts above are my own and I was not compensated in any way to write this blog post.

Win a $250 Macy's giftcard on The Experimental Mommy's Blog! Last day to Enter!

2011-08-30T22:25:00.004-04:00

Win a $250 Macy's giftcard from The Not-So-Blog!

Today is the last day, so hurry and get your entries in!

Check out Macy's Facebook page also and like them to find out more about them & to get in on the fun contests they have!

This year, Macy’s is even giving one of their fans (plus three guests) a trip to New York City to attend the Thanksgiving Day parade! I have ALWAYS wanted to go there during that holiday! I ♥ NYC!!:)

Good luck to you all!!

Giveaway held here:

Pamela Fugate Designs: Custom Tote Bag Review

2011-08-20T13:32:00.010-04:00

I recently had the chance to review a tote from the fabulous Pamela Fugate Designs shop on Etsy!

The tote that I chose, since I really LOVE using my reusable bags when I grocery shop, etc., was the R is for Recycle tote! I LOVED it!! It is really great quality and is made of 100% cotton canvas. Here are the specifications for this bag:

- 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric
- Full side and bottom gusset
- 22" reinforced self-fabric handles
- Machine washable
- Measures 15" x 18" x 6"

I found the tote to be really roomy, and works well for me when I go out shopping. I really appreciate that it featured a great bottom gusset for extra durability and space.

My fave part is how nicely she packaged it. It came wrapped with tissue paper and had a twine tied around it. Very nice presentation! I think any of her totes, or items from her Etsy shop, would make an excellent gift!

Pamela is a graphic design specialist for over twelve years, and her company "Pamela Fugate Designs" specializes in all-purpose, custom graphic designs to fit anyone's needs. You can even have items personalized with names, logos, etc.

You can find her on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pamelafugatedesigns

or follow her on twitter @PamelaFugate

She also has a main website. Go here to check it out:

http://www.pamelafugate.com/

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought the Halloween Boo Bags were really cool, and could hold alot of candy! :) Her shop also has baby items and just about any Holiday design you could think of also! This Halloween bag is my favorite:

**I'd like to thank Pamela, at Pamela Fugate Designs, for this review opportunity. I did receive the product mentioned above at no cost to me to facilitate my review.

WINNER OF THE FIBER ONE GIVEAWAY IS....

2011-08-05T16:26:00.006-04:00

The winner of my Fiber One giveaway is:

Comment #25:

SunRae said... 25
GFC follower
August 3, 2011 4:10 PM

Congratulations!! A HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who entered!!

More giveaways coming soon!!

Fiber One Cereals- Review & A Quick Giveaway (CLOSED!)

2011-08-01T14:43:00.018-04:00

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans say people should consume 25-38 grams of fiber daily, and that the average American consumes only 15 grams. I try to get my daily fiber intake, but it's not always easy.

Online colleges offer nutrition
degrees for people who care about the relationship between food and
health.

Fiber One cereals make it easy to incorporate more fiber into your daily diet by giving you at least 30 percent of the Daily Value per serving..As a matter of fact, some of the FiberOne cereals give you over 50% of your daily intake of fiber!

My BlogSpark recently gave me the chance to try 5 different varieties of Fiber One cereals. Being a huge fan of caramel, I thought I'd love the caramel delight, but I was disappointed in the taste. It had an "odd", "fake" taste to me. I LOVED all of the others with the Fiber One Raisin Bran Clusters being my favorite! It was SO delicious!

You can save 75 cents by clicking here & printing your coupon!

Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I have 5 boxes of Fiber One cereals to give away to one lucky Joe's Place reader! Just do the following to be entered to win:

Visit Fiber One Online for great information on healthy living and additional ways to incorporate fiber into your diet. Also, be sure to check out the Fiber One Facebook page and get involved in the conversation. We´d love to hear how you stay satisfied with Fiber One cereals!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit the Fiber One website and tell me something that you learned or just why you want to win some cereal.

EXTRA ENTRIES (YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM!):

1. Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect (widget on right sidebar on main page) (1 entry)

2. Follow @JoeyfromSC & on twitter & leave your twitter name please(1 entry)

3. TWEET (Daily) about my giveaway & leave the direct link to that tweet (1 DAILY entry-You may copy/paste the tweet below OR use the share on twitter button below this post!)

Win a Fiber One cereal prize package from @JoeyfromSC http://tinyurl.com/3tjdbhp #myblogspark

4. Subscribe to my blog via email(see box on top right of my blog on the main page)*That way you won't miss when I post new giveaways!

5. Blog about this giveaway, with a link to JOE'S PLACE and leave the link to your blog post in your comment. (5 entries)**NEW option: If you do not have a blog, please email 3 of your friends with the link to my giveaway(Please try to choose people who you think may enter..thanks!) and CC me: ajoebloe@gmail.com This will still give you 5 entries!

Remember to leave SEPARATE comments for EACH entry you complete. ALSO, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER!

This giveaway will end on Thursday, August 4, 2011.*Note, I will choose a winner via RANDOM.ORG after the giveaway is over, and I will email the lucky winner. The winner will need to respond to my email as quickly as possible or an alternate winner will be chosen! If you have any questions, email me at: (ajoebloe@gmail.com)

I received no monetary compensation for hosting this giveaway. A product sample was sent to me from the awesome people at MyBlogSpark & General Mills/Fiber One. General Mills also provided the nutrition information for me to use in my review.

SJ Creations Foaming HandWash Review & A Coupon Code for my Readers!

2011-06-26T23:12:00.019-04:00

I recently found a new company with great bath & body products called SJ Creations, Inc. I had the opportunity to review the Large Mandarin Orange Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash and let me say, it was awesome! I love to wash my hands with pump soap/foam instead of traditional messy, germy bar soaps, so I knew I would enjoy this alot!

Since I had already planned a trip to visit my Aunt in VA, I decided to take it with me so she & I could review it together. We put the bottle by her kitchen sink, and decided to give it a try. The first thing we noticed when we pressed the pump, is how much lather it actually makes with ONE little pump. Nice, rich, foamy lather. The next thing we couldn't help but notice, is the wonderful fragrance. The mandarin orange smell is SO divine! It smells good enough to eat, although I wouldn't recommend it:)

What also stands out about this item, is how much you get in the bottle. It was a full 25 oz. of handsoap! It is in a liquid form, but turns into a rich, delicious smelling lather when it is pumped from it's bottle. I am going to leave the bottle with her, and I know it will last her quite some time!

SJ Creations also carries a kid's line of products and just about anything you could want for your face, and/or body/skin.

The other thing I LOVE about this company, is that they give back. They will donate a portion of the proceeds of the sales of their line of Pink Grapefruit Pure Organic Products to help fight Breast Cancer. How cool is that?

My Aunt actually tested the soap in a rather unorthodoxed way. She used it as a bodywash/bubble bath. She said that it made her skin SO soft and she loved the fragrance also! I only tried it as a handsoap in the kitchen/bath and really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this company!

*See photo hand model credits at the end of this review:)

The awesome people at SJ Creations want to offer Joe's Place Readers a DISCOUNT!! Yes, they will offer any of my readers, $5 off a $15 order!! Just Enter "JOESPLACE" at checkout to receive $5 off an order of $15 or more from SJ Creations! I love that! Thank you so much SJ Creations!!

I hope you all will check out their site, and place an order. Don't forget to use the coupon code!

Also, check them out on Twitter & Facebook:

Follow SJ Creations on Twitter and/or like them on Facebook

**I'd like to thank SJ Creations(& Abby) for this review opportunity. I did receive the product mentioned above at no cost to me to facilitate my review. All claims for the product being used as a bodywash/bubblebath are my Aunt Shirley's opinions and not SJ Creations. The hand model in the photos above are compliments of my dear Aunt Shirley.

Review: Cymax Stores-Coffee Tables

2011-06-22T00:56:00.009-04:00

I have told y'all in the last few weeks about an awesome company Cymax.com. Well, today, I want to tell you about their selection of coffee tables & nesting tables. Here is a great selection of tables if you are looking for that much needed coffee table set to go in front of your sofa to place books, drinks, decorations, etc. upon. It comes complete with two additional tables to use as side/end tables beside your sofa and/or chair to make your look complete. I personally loved the modern look in the pic below with the glass.

They also offer coaster coffee table sets. I love these! My fave is this one below:

When I was a kid, my mom had a set of nesting tables. I was mesmerized by these & was always wanting to play with them, but they were only pulled apart from their set when we had company. (Remember, no feet on the table lol)

So, if you are in the market for some sleek new coffee tables or end tables, be sure to check out Cymax Stores for all of your household needs & more!

Spread the word to your friends as well about this fantastic company!

(Click the sponsored by Cymax stores button at the bottom of this post to see their huge selection of products!)

You can also become a fan of Cymax Stores on Facebook (if you like) here: LIKE CYMAX STORES ON FACEBOOK

Or follow Cymax Stores on Twitter here: FOLLOW CYMAX STORES ON TWITTER

*The opinions in this review are my own and I was not influenced in any way by Cymax Stores. It was my idea to link them on the various social media outlets as well. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to do this review for their company

Review: Lindsay Aline CD

2011-06-04T12:36:00.014-04:00

I LOVE music and am always on the lookout for exciting new artists. When I was given the opportunity to review Lindsay Aline's new cd, I couldn't wait for it to arrive!

Her cd did not disappoint! I loved her smooth, beautiful voice! One of my favorite tracks is a song called "Belong". I am a sucker for love/pop songs!(lol)

You can purchase her cd from Amazon.com and it's very affordable.

Want to learn more about this amazing artist?

Well, here is Lindsay's bio:

23-year-old San Francisco Bay Area native Lindsay Aline wrote her first song “What Would It Be Like” just short of three years ago. Lindsay explains that at the time, she was convinced that her lofty dreams were mere fantasies of a simple girl. What started out as an impulsive desire to put music to her life evolved into a passion for songwriting that now stands as the core toward which she is working. Classically trained, Aline’s music combines orchestral depth with contemporary rhythms and vocals. Her voice has been said to have both dramatic, lyrical qualities as well as resonant, folk qualities.

Also, here is more about Lindsay's debut cd:

Since its release in 2009, Lindsay Aline’s 11-track album has landed attention nationwide through all the major online social networks as well as a variety of radio and podcast stations, news columns, blogs, performing events, and more. Aline’s recent developments include the production of her first music video for her highly rated song “Reach”. Listeners’ feedback reflect opinions that her album is “refreshing, yet deep,” and “a balance of incredible vocals and soulful lyrics.” It’s empowering and uplifting. It has a Pop-Classical feed to it with a Celtic flair, all of which is laced with emotion. A supposed mix of Sissel, Josh Groban, Imogen Heap, and Evanescence.

Lindsay’s intentions include both the desire to influence the music industry for the better as well as brighten the personal lives of people

She does remind me of Imogen Heap! I LOVE her music as well, so it's great to see Lindsay draw her inspiration from several of my favorite artists!

This will be a cd I listen to often as I found it very soothing.

If you'd like to connect with Lindsay, here is her social media contact info:

Lindsay on Facebook

Lindsay on Twitter

*All info that I used to write this review, is used with permission. I received a free copy of Lindsay's cd in order to facilitate this review & all opinions expressed above, are my own thoughts. I received no compensation for this review.

Review: Cymax Stores (Kitchen Carts & More)

2011-06-02T15:49:00.042-04:00

Most of us will never have the amount of kitchen space that we would like, as I know I don't. It's also no secret, that many new homebuyers want large kitchens. So, when I found out that Cymax Stores also carries breakfast bars/kitchen carts, I really got excited because I could expand the space in my very own kitchen without even picking up a hammer. When you can't afford to remodel your kitchen, one of these carts could be the solution to a space problem! I really like the breakfast bar pictured below because it's very compact, and would be great for breakfast with your significant other or a perfect place to have a friend over & enjoy some coffee. Can't you just envision sitting at this bar together, having great conversation & munching on some delicious muffins, juice & coffee or whatever your heart desires?

This black kitchen cart below could definitely come in handy to give you that extra "work station/prep area" in your kitchen. I know I don't like to be crowded with limited counter space when I'm preparing a meal, so this cart could definitely help me have room to spread out.

If you choose to put the kitchen cart in your kitchen, the last thing you would want to do is chop vegetables, meats, etc. directly on that gorgeous wood top, so I have a solution for that. Check out this awesome line of wooden cutting boards to prevent scratching your beautiful new kitchen cart.

So, if you are in the market for some kitchen essentials to help you save on space, be sure to check out Cymax Stores for all of your kitchen needs & more!

Spread the word to your friends as well about this fantastic company!

(Click the sponsored by Cymax stores button at the bottom of this post to see their huge selection of products!)

You can also become a fan of Cymax Stores on Facebook (if you like) here: LIKE CYMAX STORES ON FACEBOOK

Or follow Cymax Stores on Twitter here: FOLLOW CYMAX STORES ON TWITTER

*The opinions in this review are my own and I was not influenced in any way by Cymax Stores. It was my idea to link them on the various social media outlets as well. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to do this review for their company

Cymax Stores Review!

2011-05-14T20:02:00.076-04:00

I want to introduce you today, to a company I had not heard of until recently. Cymax Stores has over 100 specialty stores featuring everything from beds, lighting, office furniture, small appliances and even luggage! The site is very user friendly & is set up with tabs of different categories depending on what you may be looking for.

Let's say you are in the market for some new dining room chairs, but not sure exactly what style you may want. These espresso dining chairs are perfect if you love dark espresso finishes in your decor.

If that doesn't suit your tastes, check out this fantastic selection of modern dining chairs (These are my favorite!)

This modern chair, actually reminds me of a chair I picked up at an antique shop a few years ago. I love the "retro" feel of it. Mine came from an Insurance company office and now if I ever want to purchase more to blend in with that one, I can go to Cymax Stores and pick one or two up from their website!

If you are more into traditional or that homespun/country look, you may love the dining chairs in pine.

All of the above selections are from morediningchairs.com which is a division of Cymax Stores! Be sure to check them out today! I am sure you will find many items that you just can't live without. I know I did!

Cymax Guarantee
We value you as our customer and your satisfaction is important to us. We want to make your online shopping experience uncomplicated and risk-free. Cymax Stores offer competitive pricing, helpful information, the best customer service and secure ordering. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with the item(s) you receive, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you with a return. Please review our Standard Return Policy for further details. “

That makes me really want to shop there even more! They stand behind your purchases & really value you as a customer! That makes a huge difference when you put your trust into an online company!

Spread the word to your friends as well about this fantastic company!

(Click the sponsored by Cymax stores button at the bottom of the post!)

You can also become a fan of Cymax Stores on Facebook (if you like) here: LIKE CYMAX STORES ON FACEBOOK

Or follow Cymax Stores on Twitter here: FOLLOW CYMAX STORES ON TWITTER

*The opinions in this review are my own and I was not influenced in any way by Cymax Stores. It was my idea to link them on the various social media outlets as well. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to do this review for their company

Why am I FABULOUS?

2011-05-06T13:37:00.005-04:00

fab·u·lous/ˈfabyələs/Adjective

1. Extraordinary, esp. extraordinarily large.

2. Amazingly good; wonderful

That pretty much sums me up! I have always had low self-esteem, but as of late, I am realizing that I am FABULOUS!!:) I am also a very generous person & am always helping others out & giving of my time, etc.

Online masters degree programs have classes in psychology when you want to study how people build their self-image.

It's just my nature & I wouldn't change me at all!

I have alot of talents and many interests. My sweet Aunt Shirley always tells me that I am not living up to my potential as far as careers go. I still feel, in many ways, I am still finding myself. I raised two brothers after my Mom died, and I didn't have much of a social life.

I don't regret it for one minute..don't get me wrong. I just know that now I have alot more ME time & it feels good. It took some getting used to as I went through the empty nest syndrome just as any parent would.

I finally, LOVE MYSELF and think I'm FABULOUS!

*I don't like pink, but I loved the graphic above lol

*Be sure to check out this awesome site: http://www.fabuloussavings.com/

ENTER TO WIN A $50 CREDIT FROM THE FOUNDARY BY HAYNEEDLE ON ANNETTE FUNNY JELLO'S BLOG

2011-04-30T14:10:00.006-04:00

Go here: http://annettefunnyjello.com/2011/04/the-foundary-by-hayneedle-50-credit-review-giveaway/ to win a $50 credit from The Foundary By Hayneedle on Annette Funny Jello's blog!

Sign up for THE FOUNDARY http://thefoundary.com/funnyjello via this special link and you can even earn a $1 credit for every friend that you get to sign up(The maximum is $10/10 referrals)!

They have all sorts of great deals and you have to check daily to make sure you don't miss out!

The Foundary accepts paypal and credit card payments or of course, you can use your credits and may only end up paying shipping costs depending on what the item you are ordering is! Today, they have a great deal on Bath Towels!! They are around 60% off!! Awesome savings!

Enter today! Last day of the giveaway!

Giveaway hosted by:

WINNER OF THE GOURMETGIFTBASKETS.COM GIVEAWAY IS....

2011-04-19T13:41:00.001-04:00

I was thrilled that SO many people entered MY GOURMET GIFTBASKETS.COM GIVEAWAY!! Thank you ALL for entering. We ended up with 201 comments and the LUCKY WINNER IS: Comment #7 VectoringMomma! See screenshots below!

Congratulations!! I am sending you an email now & am sending out a tweet about your win!

Thank you ALL again so much and stay tuned to Joe's Place....I will be having more giveaways coming up real soon!

**A HUGE thank you again to GOURMETGIFTBASKETS.COM for sponsoring this giveaway!

*The winner will have 6 hours to respond to my email or I will have to choose another winner. I usually allow 48 hours, but I want the winner to receive it in time for the Easter holiday!

GIVEAWAY:WIN AN EASTER BASKET FROM GOURMET GIFT BASKETS.COM RIGHT HERE ON JOE'S PLACE

2011-04-15T14:25:00.003-04:00

GOURMET GIFT BASKETS has a ton of different baskets for all of your gift giving needs and holidays. They even have baskets for your pets...yes, your beloved four legged friends can join in on the fun too!

Do you have a special someone in your life who likes to fish? Gourmet gift baskets.com has you covered there too!

One of my favorite categories are the Care Package baskets! SO much fun! From summer fun camp, the sports enthusiast, the junk food lover or the health food nut, Gourmet gift baskets.com is the one stop shop to make all of the people in your life feel special when they receive one of these amazing baskets!

I was recently given the opportunity to review the Classic Easter Bunny Basket. I was thrilled and was amazed first of all, at how quickly it arrived! I believe it was within two days. When I opened the box, I noticed that alot of attention to detail and thought was put into how they ship the baskets.

It had plenty of the air bubble packs surrounding it to keep it intact. The other thing I noticed and was very impressed by was the "ribbon collar". It was a cardboard-surrounding that protected the curly ribbons on the top, from being damaged. How clever is that?

The basket itself was a white wicker basket & it was wrapped in clear cellophane. Included in the basket were some of my fave candies such as Easter DOTS, Nerds, Peanut M&M's(yum!),marshmallow chick PEEPS(I love these!) & strawberry twizzlers! It also came with 2 brightly colored plastic Easter eggs(My Mom used to put money in ours when I was a kid!)

Nestled in with the candy was a super soft and cuddly 8" plush bunny! Too cute!

Wouldn't you love to WIN one of these baskets to give to your child(Or for that adult in your life who is still a big kid like myself!)? Well, Gourmet Gift Baskets.com is so generously giving ONE lucky reader of Joe's Place , the chance to win the very same basket that I received (See picture below)

Cute huh? My 6 yr. old Godson will be sharing some of the goodies out of the basket with me lol

WIN IT! Here's how:

MANDATORY ENTRY: You must LIKE Gourmet Gift Baskets.com on
FACEBOOK here: Gourmet Gift Baskets.com's Facebook page & post on their wall that "Joey from Joe's Place sent you"!

***This MUST be done as your 1st entry, or none of your extra entries will count! Please leave your first name and last initial that you use on Facebook!***

EXTRA ENTRIES (YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM!):

1. Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect (widget on right sidebar on main page) (1 entry)

2. Follow ME ON TWITTER & leave your twitter name please(1 entry)

3. TWEET (Daily) about my giveaway & leave the direct link to that tweet (1 DAILY entry)
Copy/paste:

#Win an Easter basket from @gmtgiftbaskets and Joe's Place here: http://tinyurl.com/3unpk49 @JoeyfromSC ends 4/18

4.Visit Gourmet Gift Baskets.com, look around, & then post on GiftBaskets.com's Facebook Wall about one of your favorite products that you liked on their website

5. Follow Gourmet Gift Baskets.com on twitter(1 entry)

6. Blog about this giveaway, with a link to JOE'S PLACE and leave the link to your blog post in your comment. (5 entries)**NEW option: If you do not have a blog, please email 3 of your friends with the link to my giveaway(Please try to choose people who you think may enter..thanks!) and CC me: ajoebloe@gmail.com This will still give you 5 entries!

Remember to leave SEPARATE comments for EACH entry you complete. ALSO, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER! This giveaway will end on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 11:59 pm. This giveaway is open to my blog readers in the U.S. & Canada!

Good luck to everyone!

*Note, I will choose a winner via RANDOM.ORG after the giveaway is over, and I will email the lucky winner. The winner will need to respond to my email as quickly as possible so that you can get your basket in time for Easter, or an alternate winner will be chosen! If you have any questions, email me at: (ajoebloe@gmail.com)

I received no monetary compensation for hosting this giveaway. A product sample was sent to me from the awesome people at Gourmet Gift Baskets! Thank you!

WIN A COUPON FOR A FREE CICI'S PIZZA BUFFET AT MOMMYKATIE.COM!

2011-03-29T14:30:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN A CICI'S PIZZA BUFFET from mommykatie.com!!

Some people who enjoy couponing look into online schooling to learn more about financial management.

I LOVE Cici's Pizza! Plenty of pizza, pasta and salad to choose from. I also love that they offer Barq's root beer on the fountain lol

I drink tons of water, but splurge occasionally on root beer! Enter to win today!

Giveaway courtesy of:

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WIN A $50 VISA AND A COUPON GUIDE ON COUPONSCRIBBLES.COM!

2011-03-21T15:48:00.019-04:00

Who else loves COUPONS like I do? People just don't realize that when your Sunday paper comes, it's like FREE money that you can spend on other stuff besides food!

Online accounting degrees are available for people who understand the importance of coupons and money.

I noticed that TLC is beginning a new show soon about EXTREME COUPONING. I am in awe of people that can save that much money. I want to learn how to do it!

Here's a great contest that can get you started because you not only win a $50 AMEX card, you win a guide to coupons book! Look around her blog while you're there! VERY good info!
Good luck!

ENTER TO WIN A $50 American Express Gift Card and Don’t Throw Those Coupons Away – A Mom’s Guide to Saving Money at the Grocery Store

on COUPON SCRIBBLES BLOG

Win a Kenmore Stand mixer from Dear Crissy's Blog!

2011-02-19T18:10:00.004-05:00

I love to bake, but don't do it as often as I used to. When I was raising my brothers, I always had some type of goodies(homemade or semi-homemade as Sandra Lee would say) waiting on them after school.

As you could imagine, it made our house a popular place to be since all of their friends were always wanting to know what I was making next haha

I always used a hand mixer when I baked because I have never been able to afford a nice stand mixer...Well, Dear Crissy's blog is giving one away!!! Head on over to the link below and enter for YOUR chance to win!! Ends March 7th, 2011! Good luck everybody!!

OH and my fave colors I'd love to own would be tangerine or pistachio(very retro looking to me)!

Details:

have you seen the Kenmore Elite Stand Mixer giveaway on DearCrissy.com this week?

WINNER OF THE SIBU BEAUTY GIVEAWAY....

2010-11-30T15:35:00.014-05:00

I am pleased to announce the winner of MY VERY 1ST GIVEAWAY with SIBU BEAUTY

The lucky winner is: Comment #6:

Leslie M.

Congrats Leslie!! I have sent you an email and you have 48 hours to respond. Thanks!*Blogger is having issues with uploading pics today, so the screenshots aren't the best..Sorry!

Update: Winner confirmed! Thank you for the quick response!

Enjoy and I want to thank the awesome people again at SIBU BEAUTY for sponsoring this giveaway!

A HUGE thank you to ALL of you who entered! I appreciate it and the follows, etc.(Only 6 followers away from 100 now! Woohoo!!) I have more giveaways coming soon..Keep checking back!

Sibu Beauty-GIVEAWAY!(ENDED!)

2010-11-14T14:30:00.087-05:00

Being a male, from the South, I really don't know too much about a skincare/beauty regiment, BUT, I now have found a company that could change all of that! It's very important to treat your skin well, no matter what age you are!

I want to introduce you to a great company called SIBU BEAUTY. My Aunt has used their products and LOVES them. All of the wonderful SIBU BEAUTY products are great for women, men (YES, we like to feel included & be pampered too!) and even children.

The journey to create a successful company can be as arduous as scaling a Tibetan mountainside, but well worth the view from the top. Bruce McMullin founded Sibu Beauty in 2003 after series of events led him to Calcutta, India where he crossed paths with an ayurvedic specialist in Chinese plants and herbs. In passing, this expert mentioned a powerful holy fruit, the seabuckthorn berry.

From there McMullin’s quest took him to new heights, figuratively and literally, as he journeyed to some of the most remote locations of the Himalayas to find the superior source of seabuckthorn that is the foundation for all Sibu products.

Repair and Protect

SIBU BEAUTY'S sea buckthorn facial cream, with omega 7 fatty acids, helps boost collagen production and creates the perfect barrier to moisturize, rejuvenate, repair and protect. This light, non-greasy cream is ideal for daily use and offers a pleasing, light citrus scent. It is paraben-free and cruelty-free, and contains NO dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, sodium or preservatives.

Cleanse and Detox

Awaken your skin in the morning or wash away a day of stress and pollutants with pure, simple, clean and powerful Sibu Beauty sea buckthorn facial soap. Lathers thick and rinses with ease to cleanse, detox and moisturize, and repair the skin while creating a protective barrier against UV rays and cell damaging free radicals.

Promotes tissue recovery and healing

100% natural

I am thrilled to say that this company gives back! Read more by clicking HERE

The fantastic people over at SIBU BEAUTY
want to give one LUCKY Joe's Place reader ONE (3.5 oz bar) of Sea buckthorn facial soap AND a (1.0 oz) bottle of Sea buckthorn facial cream! (This prize has an approximate retail value of: $26.00)

Thank you so much to SIBU BEAUTY for sponsoring this giveaway!

WIN IT! Here's how:

MANDATORY ENTRY: Please visit SIBU BEAUTY and browse their products & tell me a product that you would like to try OR tell me something about the company that I have not mentioned in this post!

EXTRA ENTRIES (YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM!):

1. Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect (widget on right sidebar on main page) (1 entry)

2. Follow ME ON TWITTER (1 entry)

3. TWEET(Daily) about my giveaway & leave the direct link to that tweet (1 DAILY entry)

"Win @Sibu_Beauty products on Joe's Place http://tinyurl.com/WinSibuBeautyJoesPlace #win @JoeyfromSC ends 11/29"

4. Like SIBU BEAUTY ON FACEBOOK (1 entry)

5. Follow SIBU BEAUTY ON TWITTER (1 entry)

6. SIGN UP FOR THE SIBU BEAUTY MAILING LIST (1 entry)

7. Subscribe to the SIBU BEAUTY BLOG (2 entries)

8. Blog about this giveaway, with a link to JOE'S PLACE and leave the link to your blog post in your comment. (5 entries)

Remember to leave SEPARATE comments for EACH entry you complete. ALSO, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER! This giveaway will end on Monday, 11/29 at 11:59 pm. This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada ONLY!

Good luck to everyone and I want to thank the awesome people at SIBU BEAUTY for sponsoring this giveaway!

*Note, I will choose a winner via RANDOM.ORG after the giveaway is over, and I will email the lucky winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email, or an alternate winner will be chosen! If you have any questions, email me at: (ajoebloe@gmail.com)

I received no monetary compensation for hosting this giveaway. A product sample was sent to me.

GIFT WRAP IDEAS!

2010-11-10T16:11:00.009-05:00

I have always taken wrapping gifts seriously! My Aunt, one Christmas, said that the gift I gave her was too pretty to unwrap haha-I used the large Christmas bulbs from old light strands and a paint pen and wrote the "to/from" on it! So much fun! It's the little touches that make a package special. I think I borrowed that idea from a t.v. show I had been watching! Check out this site:

GIFT WRAP IDEAS

I especially loved #4(being the retro freak that I am-I do think I lived a past life or something lol)It uses the retro ornament box! Fun!

Selecting the paper is important too. I prefer to use a GOOD quality, strong paper. Also, not using TOO much paper makes a huge difference. I have even wrapped kids gifts in the Comics from the Sunday paper! (Similar to the pic below) Alot of fun! I have also twisted $1 dollar bills into bows haha

Also, use old maps, tissue paper, plain brown craft paper, or pages from old books to wrap gifts! Very economical too!

Share YOUR gift wrap ideas below! I look forward to learning new ideas!

CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS!

2010-11-09T15:22:00.008-05:00

**Updated: I just remembered a cute site! Go here to "elf yourself" haha

WWW.ELFYOURSELF.COM

I stumbled across this website, NORTHPOLE.COM and it got me to thinking and reminiscing. To me, Christmas is about making the kids happy. Seeing their cute little faces light up when they start to make their Christmas wish list, talk about Santa Claus, and especially seeing their face on Christmas morning are all things that just make me enjoy the season more.

I remember as a child, barely being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, full of anticipation for what gifts I was going to get on Christmas morning. The stocking was always my favorite part for some reason haha

We didn't have the fancy Santa Trackers like kids have today, but we still couldn't wait to maybe even catch a glimpse of Santa on that special morning.

SANTA TRACKER

What favorite things do you remember about Christmas as a child?

Holiday Cards from Shutterfly!

2010-11-09T14:55:00.009-05:00

I don't send out as many CHRISTMAS CARDS as I should, but I am going to let SHUTTERFLY make mine this year! They have many great designs such as THESE HOLIDAY STORY CARDS! SO much fun! I know friends who have ordered from Shutterfly and they were totally pleased with the quality!

I'm also thinking of making some WALL CALENDARS as gifts this year! I did make one of these last year(but didn't know about Shutterfly at the time) and the recipient loved it!!

My absolute favorite design is this OUR STORY ORNAMENT CARD! I would design this with photos of my brothers, my Aunt and myself and tell things that happened this year to us all! Here is the example below(without my own images, of course lol)

Shutterfly can even make your BABY SHOWER INVITATIONS!

I thought this design was so cute with the little baby clothes pinned to a clothes line haha

Clothes Line Pink Baby Shower Invitation

Give them a try today! I know I am!

Disclaimer:

I received a free item in exchange for writing this blog post. Anything that I write here is my own opinion and I am not required to say positive things about the company.

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST!!

2010-11-08T14:16:00.004-05:00

My list may surprise you, but I really am not a materialistic person. I am very low maintenance(haha) and it doesn't require a lot to make me truly happy! I get more joy out of GIVING to OTHERS!!:) Really, I do-I gift about 95% of the giveaways that I win in online contests!:)

Here's what's on my list to Santa this year:

1. to be able to visit my brothers in California

2. to WIN a laptop in an online giveaway as mine is broken currently

3. for my best friend to act the way he was acting prior to a week or so ago lol

4. peace on Earth

5. to win toy giveaways(and the Leap Frog) to gift to my 6 yr. old Godson

6. a new job

7. I wish for all of my family, friends and online friends to have a FANTASTIC holiday this year!

8. a new pair of sneakers(much needed lol)

9. someone new to love who will love me and ONLY me(*Don't ask haha)

10. to get the makeover(in the planning stages) on my blog & begin my giveaways

What is on YOUR list this year? Share below in the comments section please! I look forward to reading them all!

WIN A LENOVO LAPTOP ON MOMMY PR'S BLOG!

2010-11-08T14:06:00.004-05:00

is hosting an amazing Lenovo Laptop giveaway!!(Click on the button above if you'd like to enter on their blog)

I really REALLY need to win it because my netbook recently went down:( I am SO lost without my computer!! haha

Winning it would be a great Christmas present to myself. I don't have the money right now to fix my netbook, so I'm missing out on twitter parties and the freedom the netbook gave me. Thank God for the public library computers :)

here is my fun video I made as my entry into the Mommy PR giveaway, Check it out:

WATCH MY FUN VIDEO

*Click on the red link above and it takes you to the video I made-A couple of my pics are out of sync, but it's still fun! lol

Why I NEED to win the Lenovo Laptop on Dear Crissy's Blog!

2010-11-08T13:30:00.005-05:00

I entered Crissy’s Can’t Wait til Christmas Lenovo Laptop Giveaway and hope to win a $799.00 IdeaPad! I really REALLY need to win it because my netbook recently went down:( I am SO lost without my computer!! haha

Winning it would be a great Christmas present to myself. I don't have the money right now to fix my netbook, so I'm missing out on twitter parties and the freedom the netbook gave me. Thank God for the public library computers :)

Check out the Lenovo website:
LENOVO They seem like a great company! I love the fingerprint reader! lol

Giveaway hosted by the fabulous:

In Memory of my Mama: Holidays without Family!

2010-11-07T15:30:00.007-05:00

Mama in 1989(Church photo)

Today's holiday post is in memory of my beloved Mama. She passed away, 16 years ago, on November 7, 1994 at the young age of 44,of leukemia, and I raised two young brothers after she passed. They were ages 14 and 8 at the time. It wasn't always easy, but it's some of the best years of my life! They are pretty much like my kids and I miss them badly! They moved away February of 2009, to Hollywood, CA to pursue their music career. Money has been tight among us all, so we haven't been able to visit each other. I pray that Santa Claus brings us a plane ticket lol

It is hard to believe that she's been gone so long. It seems like yesterday still. She would've turned 60 this past March. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her!! The holidays just aren't the same, but I do still have my dear Aunt and my brothers/kids! I am thankful for that and I know that Mama is so proud of my brothers and I. I am VERY proud of them for living their dream and I feel like I must have done something right raising them, because they are successful, amazing young men today! I will always love you Mama and never, ever forget you!!

How do YOU get through the holidays and keep the memory/spirit of loved ones alive? It isn't easy, but I will be lighting a candle in memory of my Mama today and at the holidays.

My brothers, February 2009, the day they flew to California:

CHRISTMAS HUMOR & FUNNY VIDEOS

2010-11-06T12:16:00.007-04:00

I love some of Martha Stewart's ideas, but let's face it, she has a TEAM of people helping her, unlike most of us average folks lol

I found this so funny:

Courtesy of My Merry Christmas.com

Martha Stewart's Christmas To-Do List
By Anonymous

December 1: Blanch carcass from Thanksgiving turkey. Spray paint gold, turn upside down and use as sleigh to hold Christmas Cards.
December 2: Have Mormon Tabernacle Choir record outgoing Christmas message for answering machine.

December 3: Using candlewick and handgilded miniature pine cones, fashion cat-o-nine-tails. Flog Gardener.

December 4: Repaint Sistine Chapel ceiling in ecru, with mocha trim.

December 5: Get new eyeglasses. Grind lenses myself.

December 6: Fax family Christmas newsletter to Pulitzer committee for consideration.

December 7: Debug Windows '95

December 10: Align carpets to adjust for curvature of Earth.

December 11: Lay Faberge egg.

December 12: Take Dog apart. Disinfect. Reassemble.

December 13: Collect Dentures. They make excellent pastry cutters, particularly for decorative pie crusts.

December 14: Install plumbing in gingerbread house.

December 15: Replace air in mini-van tires with Glade "holiday scents" in case tires are shot out at mall.

December 17: Child proof the Christmas tree with garland of razor wire.

December 19: Adjust legs of chairs so each Christmas dinner guest will be same height when sitting at his or her assigned seat.

December 20: Dip sheep and cows in egg whites and roll in confectioner's sugar to add a festive sparkle to the pasture.

December 21: Drain city reservoir; refill with mulled cider, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

December 22: Float votive candles in toilet tank.

December 23: Seed clouds for white Christmas.

December 24: Do my annual good deed. Go to several stores. Be seen engaged in last minute Christmas shopping, thus making many people feel less inadequate than they really are.

December 25: Bear son. Swaddle. Lay in color coordinated manger scented with homemade potpourri.

December 26: Organize spice racks by genus and phylum.

December 27: Build snowman in exact likeness of God.

December 31: New Year's Eve! Give staff their resolutions. Call a friend in each time zone of the world as the clock strikes midnight in that country.

I also have always loved this song! I first heard it on our local radio station many years ago:

This post would not be complete without the uber famous, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" lol

Share any funny websites, pics, links, etc. below that help you keep YOUR sanity at the holidays! Thanks!

CHRISTMAS DECORATINGl

2010-11-05T16:51:00.005-04:00

One of my fave things to do at the holidays, is decorate. Although I haven't been in the Christmas spirit the last couple of years, all of this holiday talk has me in the mood haha

I have been watching HSN and QVC with their Christmas shows. I love the BETHLEHEM LIGHT COMPANY 's stuff that they show on QVC! Very high quality and high-end looking! Check them out!

My fave thing to do(and a family tradition) as a child, was to ride around our local town looking at everyone's display of lights. Some people go all out and it's amazing to see! I can only imagine how much time they spend on this!

I have been to New York City twice, but have never been in the winter.That is a dream of mine. I want to go when it's all lit up for Christmas. My family also used to attend the local church production of the "Living Christmas Tree". I was in awe at how well done this choir show was. I hope to find one in my area this year to attend!

What types of fun things do you like to do at the holidays? Any family traditions or things you did as a child that you want to carry on in your family?

WIN $50 TO CREATE YOUR OWN HALLOWEEN PHOTOBOOK @ THE DIVINE MISSMOMMY'S BLOG!

2010-11-04T19:53:00.010-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $50 giftcard (TWO WINNER!) to make your own Halloween photo book at KODAK GALLERY'S WEBSITE! Giveaway is on the DivineMissMommy's blog! So much fun!!

If I win, I'd post the great pic of my brothers and I.The youngest was dressed as Mario(I made the costume! ha) and my other brother was a vampire. I was a fireman.I’d probably make it as a gift for them this year at Christmas!

Head on over today to enter!(for some reason, the button is not working, so the link is below the button)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOT ON THE BUTTON!

A HUNT FOR THE ELUSIVE FUDGE RECIPE! CAN YOU HELP?

2010-11-04T17:43:00.013-04:00

Have you seen the fudge recipe above?lol

My Aunt and I have misplaced a great recipe. I believe it was with evaporated milk and not condensed milk, but very similar to this one:

FUDGE RECIPE FROM ALLRECIPES.COM

We last made it a couple of Christmas's ago, as we've not been able to get together for the holidays due to schedules, long distance, etc.

Please help us!!! lol

If you know of the great recipe that is from the back of an evaporated milk can(I think Carnation brand), please post here or email me(top right of this page). I remember when we last bought the evaporated milk and saw the recipe on the can, it had changed!! They changed the way they listed the chocolate or something. I think it's much easier with the Nestle semi-sweet chocolate morsels! YUM!

Does your family have a special fudge recipe you'd like to share below(link or post the recipe is fine)? I want to make this blog interactive(isn't that the point?ha), so feel free to share any recipes in the comments section!

Thank you so much and I can't wait to start baking goodies for the holidays!

REFLECTING ON CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

2010-11-03T14:39:00.011-04:00

I started out yesterday blogging about the holidays in order to enter an awesome giveaway(See button below for link!), and I'm glad I did because it's making me reflect on family at this fast approaching holiday time.

I went through my flickr account and found these from 2006. My Aunt came and visited my brothers and I for Christmas. I think the rest of my pics are on a disc. I need to get organized with my photos lol

I tell my Aunt she looks like a Walmart greeter in this pic. We actually were in a grocery store when I took this picture of her! The other pic is of a display that I made and it has some of my ornaments on it(One is a Dick Clark New year's rockin' eve of Times Square(love it!) and the other is a Lucy Hallmark ornament of her smashing grapes from the famous episode! My Aunt brought the stuffed Gingerbread boy and girl to add to our decor haha

I'll continue posting more this week as I dig things up...I have alot of pictures that need to be scanned in first. Do you look foward to the holidays? What type of family traditions do you have?

Also, don't forget to stop by the blog(button below) and enter to win an amazing prize!

MY FAMILY'S CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

2010-11-02T17:52:00.018-04:00

Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner? I can't even believe that we're in the second day of November already! I start to get very nostalgic this time of year because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, we had the huge colored lights on our tree. I love those! Remember them?

As a kid, my fave thing was opening my stocking. It was always filled with candy, fruits, nuts and fun little toys!

My mom always decorated the house(every room) starting around Thanksgiving. We also were allowed to open one gift early on Christmas Eve. We'd sit around and listen to Christmas music, and have refreshments and punch.

She also collected the many ornaments that we made over the years(I wished I had pics, but my laptop is broken right now) in school.I cherish those more than the Hallmark ornaments that she collected. She passed away in 1994 of leukemia and I raised my two brothers. I continued to make Christmas a HUGE deal. We sometimes got a real, live tree(yes, they are alot of work though lol). I now collect Hallmark ornaments in honor of her memory.

A new tradition I have when I get together with my Aunt on Christmas, is that we make homemade fudge together(among other goodies-I love to bake!)She's so funny because she loves TONS of nuts in her fudge.

I better get started on my shopping because it will be here before we know it!

Oh, and I'm including these two images below, because I love retro ads!! Fun stuff and reminds me of a time when things were simple:)

*NOTE: I will have more posts in the next week along the theme of the holidays..I may even post recipes too! Be sure to check back often!

Go here to see all of the great giveaways for the upcoming holidays:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure And Dell Laptop Giveaway on THE FASHIONABLE HOUSEWIFE'S BLOG!

2010-10-26T13:56:00.006-04:00

CLICK HERE to learn more about a great cause for breast cancer & enter to win a DELL laptop!! It is the
Dell "Promise Pink" Inspiron M101z Laptop!! How cool is that?? I have also lost several loved ones/friends to breast cancer!! I totally support the cause!

Check out the Dell website with the pink laptops here:

DELL.COM/KOMEN

Enter today!!

Giveaway hosted by:

WIN A NESTLE PRIZE PACK INCLUDING A $100 WALMART GIFT CARD FROM THENOTSOBLOG!!

2010-10-23T14:05:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $100 Walmart Gift card and ALOT of FREE Nestle products from TheNotSoBlog!!

here is what the winner will receive:

One reader will win a NESTLÉ Family Halloween party package featuring coupons for free products from Stouffer’s, NESTLÉ Pure Life, Juicy Juice®, NESTLÉ Toll House, Nesquik, Wonka, Raisinets and Crunch plus a $100 Walmart gift card

I love her blog!! Go check it out and enter today!

hosted by:

MY BABYS GREEN BLOG IS GIVING AWAY A $50 VISA CARD!

2010-10-20T17:46:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $50 visa card from My BabysGreen Blog! She did a review of the wonderful website, CORA CAROLINA (Be sure to check it out!) and is offering ONE lucky reader the chance at the visa card!

Giveaway hosted by:

Enter today! It ends at 8 pm!

WIN A DAILY PORTRAIT FROM MILSON ROAD ON "THE ETHERTONS" BLOG!

2010-09-23T17:55:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a custom, daily report, portrait from Milson Road!! This is THE coolest thing I've seen in quite some time....Although I have not seen it in person, I can tell it's great quality and would make a fantastic gift!

If I won, I'd gift it to my brother in California who recently celebrated his 30th birthday!! WOOHOO!!

You can choose from the following occasions:

-Baby Girl
-Baby Boy
-Twins
-Special Birthdays
-Weddings
-Anniversaries
-Graduations
-Bar & Bat Mitzvah's

Head on over and enter today!

WIN A BRUISE MD GIFT PACK FROM BEING ALISON'S BLOG!

2010-09-04T18:52:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win some awesome prizes from Bruise MD! They consists of $50 AMEX cards and/or Bruise MD packs that contain:

BruiseMD Enzymatic Tablets, Cooling Gel, Soothing Cream and Analgesic Balm

Enter today!!

Giveaway hosted by:

WIN A CUSTOM DAILY PORTRAIT FROM MILSON ROAD & MA 2 1 CUTE BOY'S BLOG!

2010-08-31T13:32:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a custom, daily report, portrait from Milson Road!! This is THE coolest thing I've seen in quite some time....Although I have not seen it in person, I can tell it's great quality and would make a fantastic gift!

If I won, I'd gift it to my brother in California for his upcoming 30th birthday!! It ironically ends the day before his birthday! lol

You can choose from the following occasions:

-Baby Girl
-Baby Boy
-Twins
-Special Birthdays
-Weddings
-Anniversaries
-Graduations
-Bar & Bat Mitzvah's

Head on over and enter today!

SMILEY COOKIE GIVEAWAY ON LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-08-31T11:49:00.005-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a dozen personalized smiley cookies from Leslie Loves Veggies blog and SmileyCookie!! SO cute and I am sure delicious!

You get to choose what shape you want your cookie to be, then the base icing color, and then finally, the icing color for your face/smile!!:) How fun!!

Enter today..it ends really soon!

Hosted by:

Dominos Extreme Delivery $20 Giveaway on THE NOT SO BLOG!

2010-08-30T18:00:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a $20 Domino's giftcard!

Domino's is holding a contest/voting on their Facebook page to find the "most extreme delivery"...Go to their facebook page and vote!

I LOVE Domino's(my brother used to be a General Manager there lol)and I love that they re-designed their pizzas recently and that they are doing the "truth in advertising" commercials! That rocks!

Enter this $20 Domino's card on this blog:

WIN A CUISINART WAFFLE MAKER FROM LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES' BLOG!

2010-08-24T16:50:00.001-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an amazing Cuisinart(A name I know and have always trusted personally) 6 slice waffle maker! WOOHOO!!

I love a good crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside waffle...I also LOVE Cuisinart products. I also love that it is a brushed Stainless steel look-very modern!

Enter today because it ends tomorrow!

This giveaway is hosted by:

WIN ACOUSTIBUDS EARBUDS ON LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-08-23T16:08:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win one of six pair of Acoustibuds earbuds being given away on Leslie Loves Veggies blog!

They are basically like a "slip-cover" for your ear, allowing the existing earbuds you have to fit better into your ear...I am always annoyed with earbuds that won't stay in or are an annoying type of fit...These seem like the solution!

Enter today-Giveaway ends tomorrow!

This giveaway is hosted by:

WIN A JABRA STONE WIRELESS HEADSET FROM THE BRAGGING MOMMY'S BLOG!

2010-08-21T12:47:00.005-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an awesome Jabra Stone Wireless Bluetooth headset!!

Here are some great things about it:

An entirely NEW SHAPE for headsets

Available in black and white

Portable charging unit (doubles as carrying case)

Dual Mic. With Noise BlackoutTM Extreme

Touch volume control & Ergonomic Design

MultiuseTM – connect to two devices at the same time

StatusDisplayTM – check battery level and Bluetooth® status at a glance

Enjoy your tunes – stream music from A2DP enabled phones

CLICK HERE FOR THE JABRASTONE SITE

AND here are some great facts about the company!

At the forefront of Innovation

We pride ourselves on our innovation and in 2006 launched more than 40 new products , many of which have gone to receive industry-wide acclaim. But innovation has been a hallmark of our company throughout our history and as such we have a long history of industry ‘firsts.’

2006 First to launch dual-connection wireless headset for traditional and IP telephony
2005 Qualifies world’s first Bluetooth 2.0 headset
2005 Industry’s most advanced headset, the Jabra BT800, launched
2004 First to launch headset amplifier for PC-based IP telephony with call controls
2004 Launches industry’s first all-digital multi-purpose amplifier incorporating Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology
2004 First to qualify Bluetooth headset under 1.2 specification
2003 Launches world’s first wireless headset with built-in conference call functionality
2002 First to qualify Bluetooth headset under 1.1 specification
2000 First to launch digital truly wireless headset
2000 Launched the world’s first mobile Bluetooth headset
1996 First to launch analog wireless headset
1991 First ultra noise-canceling microphone launched

This giveaway is hosted by:

Enter to win today

Tired of wasting $$$ on batteries? Try the Energizer Smart Charger!

2010-08-20T17:44:00.004-04:00

Batteries..We ALL use them at some point in our daily lives..They run everything from remote controls, to digital cameras, to kids toys...I personally have never used rechargeable batteries but have always wanted to. Upon learning about the
ENERGIZER SMART CHARGER I got really excited and decided I want to finally try it out. Think of ALL the MONEY it will save by not having to buy regular batteries constantly!

I even use batteries in my shaving razor haha-(Don't get me started on how expensive replaceable razor blades are lol)

I'm a "gadget" person and a technology geek, so this has me excited!

So head on over to the link and see what YOU think of the smart charger by Energizer!

(**NOTE: I am writing this post to get a giftcard and a charger, but that has no bearing on my opinion about the charger.)

I found out about the smartcharger from THIS BLOG! "JLeigh Designz"

WIN A MAC MINI FROM SAVVY COUPON MOMMY'S BLOG!

2010-08-20T12:48:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an awesome new MAC Mini computer!!

The Mac mini features an all-new, 1.4-inch-thin aluminum enclosure. It’s called the unibody — a seamless enclosure carved from a single, solid block of aluminum. The unibody construction was originally developed for Apple’s MacBook Pro. It’s created using computer numerical control, or CNC, machines — the same kind used by the aerospace industry to build mission-critical spacecraft components. This ensures absolute precision of every component of the Mac mini enclosure. Not to mention a stunning aluminum fit and finish that will make any desk proud.

I would LOVE to win this!! Go enter today! Good luck!

Learn more about the computer here: CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAC MINI

The giveaway is hosted by:

Her blog is great AND she has a fast, new awesome commenting system:) Show her blog some love!

WIN A $200 HOTELS.COM GIFTCODE FROM THE "OUTNUMBERED 3 TO 1" BLOG!

2010-08-18T18:25:00.007-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $200 hotels.com code to stay at any of their hotels!!

Hotels.com offers more than 70,000 properties worldwide from hotels to bed-and-breakfasts to condos to all-inclusive resorts!

I'd love to win this, but I wish everyone luck:)

Go here to check out the hotels.com site: CLICK HERE TO GO TO HOTELS.COM

Blog giveaway hosted by:

ENTER TO WIN A NIGHT'S STAY AT DANA HOTEL & SPA IN CHICAGO & A FLIP CAMCORDER FROM THE "FEISTY, FRUGAL, AND FABULOUS" BLOG!

2010-08-16T19:32:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a chance at a FLIP camcorder and a one night's stay at Dana Hotel and Spa in Chicago!!

This is a fantastic prize-A runner-up will get a FLIP camcorder also!

This giveaway is on the Feisty, Frugal & Fabulous blog!

Ends August 30, 2010! Best of luck to everyone!

WIN A $50 GIFTCARD TO DAKOTA'S PERSONALIZED GIFTS FROM THE "JUST CONTEST STUFF" BLOG!

2010-08-16T10:59:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a $50 giftcard to Dakota's Personalized Gifts!

CLICK HERE to check out their site!

They have such a wide array of neat items! The personalization to me, has always been a really great gift item..It makes it unique and says more than a "giftcard" haha

Enter today! It ends tonight!

The Fun Toy Store with the Fun Name Gummy Lump Giveaway on REAL MOMS REAL VIEWS BLOG!

2010-08-11T13:26:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a choice of playset from Gummy Lump and the Real Moms Real Views Blog!

Any child would LOVE one of these! SO much fun. The Barn playset reminds me of something that I had when I was little..I played with it all the time!

Enter today to win the little on in your life, a cool toy!

T-Mobile’s Back-to-School Giveaway on the DIRTY TSHIRT BLOG!!

2010-08-11T12:29:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an awesome cellphone from The Dirty Tshirt blog and T-Mobile!!

Here are some features of the Samsung phone you can WIN:

Information
GPS built-in* – Get your real-time location on maps, driving directions, and more*
Memory Card Slot (microSD) – Add more memory for multimedia files, data and more. Easily take the memory card out of your device to transfer files and data to another device.
Photo caller ID – See a photo of your caller to quickly decide whether to answer.
Mobile Backup – Lets you store your contacts on T-Mobile’s network so even if you lose your phone, you don’t lose your contacts.
Address book – The info you need to contact your contacts.
Vibrating alert – Phone vibrates to let you know you have a call or message without disturbing anyone.

Enter today!

Scholastic Children’s Dictionary Back-To-School Blog Tour / Giveaway on the DIRTY TSHIRT BLOG!

2010-08-11T12:19:00.001-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an awesome Scholastic Children's Dictionary AND a $100 Target Card! AWESOME! I LOVE Target and my Godson will need the dictionary for school/homework!

Hurry and enter because it ends soon!

MY 1ST GIVEAWAY AND IT'S LIVE!! WIN A 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO SMARTYRENTS.COM! (CLOSED)

2010-08-10T16:22:00.014-04:00

*UPDATE: winner! That was SO much fun!! Congrats to FELICIA who was comment #100!! So happy for you Felicia!

Welcome to Joe's Place to both old and new followers of mine! This is my FIRST giveaway and it's LIVE-Yes, we like to shake it up around here a bit haha-It's gonna be rather simple! The rules will follow the info on exactly what SmartyRents is:

SMARTYRENTS is an online educational video game rental company, featuring LeapFrog and VTech games. You can RENT games from eight game systems, including Little Leaps, Clickstart, Leapster, Didj, V.Smile Baby, V.Smile, V.Motion, and V.Flash. All of their games are available to rent including those no longer available on the market for purchase.

You can choose from one of several SmartyRents rental packages to meet the individual needs of each child in your family. This online rental company works similar to Netflix as your selected game titles are shipped free, directly to your door and with no late fees! How cool is that?

One of my readers will win a FREE 3 month membership to SmartyRents!! It will be emailed to you as a code and you can sign up on their site, choose your games and you'll be set and ready to go!

Rules:

I would like it if you follow me. I just surpassed 50 followers and would love more lol. It is NOT a requirement to enter this LIVE giveaway, but only a suggestion. Also, if you scroll down below this post, I'd like it if you'd fill out my form about future giveaways coming here on Joe's Place. Thank you in advance! Also, if you'd like to follow me on twitter, my link/button to my twitter is over to the right on the main page..or CLICK HERE to follow me on twitter!

Just post comments below..More than one word please! The winner will be lucky comment #100! YES, only 100!! I love winning and I know you all do too, so this one is simple. Begin! You can discuss anything at all that you want, but would like you to gear the conversation towards kids/summer/video games, etc.

Oh and PLEASE leave an email in one of your comments..Thank you!

Thanks for playing and I look forward to announcing the winner!

MY REVIEW OF BATH AND BODY WORKS

2010-08-09T11:55:00.004-04:00

I want to tell you about an AWESOME store that I love so much. It is called "Bath and Body Works" and I'm sure you have one at your local mall...That's where most of their many stores are located. I love going just to smell new home fragrances and/or the Men's collection of products. I also love the candles there..They are of very high quality and burn well.

I also suggest you get on their mailing list. They send you all types of coupons and deals! Great stuff! One of my fave candles is the Island Margarita(see pic above)..They are by Slatkin and Co. (I have also seen these on QVC) and the smell is heaven!!

CLICK HERE to visit their online store and get some of their awesome, great smelling products for yourself and/or for gifts!

I also recently had a great experience with a clerk there..She was a manager in training at my local B&BW and her name was Erica..She took up extra time to chat with me(I love to talk lol) and she just gave excellent customer service which is rare to find these days!

I give Bath and Body Works 5 stars! Check them out today!

PLEASE FILL OUT MY FORM(FEEDBACK FOR UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS!)

2010-08-07T16:50:00.013-04:00

I will be doing giveaways soon here on Joe's Place and I'd like to get your feedback.Please fill out the form below! Your participation is appreciated!

Thanks and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and bringing you all some fanastic giveaways!

(Feel free to leave comments below also if you prefer not to fill out the form or if you just wanna say hey or leave feedback)

Fill out my Wufoo form!
**The fine print: There is no set date as to when my 1st giveaway will begin, but I'm hoping before

August 31, 2010	SOON!
GIVEAWAYS ON JOE'S PLACE	SPREAD THE WORD

I just reached 50 followers(and a few extra) so my 1st giveaway will be in celebration of that. Thanks to ALL of my followers for your continued support!! Spread the word about Joe's Place please. Thank you!

WIN A LIFETIME BONA FIDE PLAN FROM WUFOO ON FREEBIE'S AND MUCH MORE BLOG!

2010-08-07T16:38:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an amazing prize from Freebies and Much more blog..It's worth over $500!! If you use online forms such as google docs,etc., this is a MUCH better option from WUFOO

Click the link and see for yourself!

You better hurry to enter, because it ends TONIGHT!

Head on over today to enter!

ENTER TO WIN THE MASTERLOCK SWEEPSTAKES AND A HUGE PRIZE ON LIVIN N LOVIN'S BLOG!

2010-08-07T15:40:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter the Master-Lock sweepstakes on their site, AND enter on Livin n Lovin's blog for a chance at an AMAZING backpack full of great prizes!

(the following is copied from her blog):

The backpack includes:
$100 Target gift card
Master Lock Precision Dial
Master Lock Speed Dial
Small magnetic photo frames
Pencils
3 pack highlighters
Pens
Ruler
6 locker magnets
Binder
Protractor
Composition notebook
1 subj. notebook
Backpack
Locker board/mirror
Calculator
Locker bin/pencil holder
Assignment book/ planner

Enter to win today!

Head on over today to enter!

WIN A $25 SAM'S CLUB GIFTCARD FROM TRYING NEW PRODUCTS' BLOG!

2010-08-07T12:05:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a Sam's Club gift card worth $25 from the Trying New Products blog!

Sam's is sponsoring a back to school event with General Mills products, to help you collect more box top cash for Education from their participating products....Also, if you upgrade your membership, for a limited time, they are giving out 150 extra box top cash seals!! Woohoo!!

Head on over today to enter!

WIN A TASTE OF HOME YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FROM FREEBIES AND MUCH MORE'S BLOG!

2010-08-04T13:14:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a YEAR'S subscription to Taste of Home magazine!!

I LOVE to cook and LOVE this magazine! Enter today so you can start getting this magazine in your mailbox and cooking up some tasty food:)

MY POSTCARD PRINTING GIVEAWAY AT FREEBIES AND MUCH MORE'S BLOG!

2010-08-03T17:24:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win 100 custom 4x6 postcards from Freebies and much more blog! This is fantastic!! If I won, I'd probably design some cards to promote my brother's band in Hollywood, CA called "Against Anger"!

Enter today! This giveaway is courtesy of MY POSTCARD PRINTING

WIN A GOOD EARTH PRIZE PACK FROM THE NURSEMOMMY'S BLOG!

2010-07-31T13:18:00.001-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a really cool Bamboo "Good Earth" prize pack from the Nurse Mommy's blog!

The prize pack includes a Good Earth Mediterranean Chicken dry dinner kit, two sets of bamboo flatware, two bamboo dishes, a bamboo utility board and a 100% recyclable grocery tote! AWESOME STUFF!!

Enter soon before it ends!

WIN A BOX OF CHEERIOS & A $25 GIFTCARD AT DONNA'S WORLD BLOG!

2010-07-30T14:51:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $25 giftcard and a box of Cheerios from Donna's World Blog!

I LOVE Cheerios and my fave is Honey Nut Cheerios...I want to try the chocolate but haven't yet...Hurry and enter today because it ends TONIGHT!

WIN A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOOK AND A BOX OF POPSICLES ON THE FREEBIES & MUCH MORE BLOG!

2010-07-30T12:57:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a coupon for some Popsicles to help you cool off this summer AND you will win a National Geographic "Big Book of Fun" - includes puzzles, pictures, trivia, and more! FUN!!

Enter today on the freebies and much more blog!

CHILI'S GIVEAWAY ON A HAPPY HIPPY MOM'S BLOG!

2010-07-28T18:06:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $50 Chili's giftcard!!

The giveaway is hosted by the Happy Hippy Mom's blog! I LOVE Chili's...Just go there and tell her why you need a night out @ Chili's and don't wanna cook!

Enter today!

BUNNY PRINTS GIVEAWAY ON LET'S JUST GIVE IT AWAY BLOG-LAST DAY TO ENTER! **UPDATE: I WON!! WOOHOO!! LOL:)

2010-07-27T18:23:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win 30 invitations or cards from BUNNY PRINTS!! They do very nice work..If I was lucky enough to win, I'd get the sweet 16 invitations done for my great friend's son, Patrick, in the Hollywood theme! nice! You only turn 16 once lol

Go enter NOW!

DOMINO'S GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY AT LET'S JUST GIVE IT AWAY BLOG!

2010-07-27T17:49:00.006-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $20.00 domino's gift card from the Let's Give it Away Blog!

Domino's is also sponsoring a national contest you can enter based on their new campaign where they use ACTUAL pizzas/employees in their print ads! nice!

Head on over today to get your entry in before the giveaway is over!

HARD ROCK GIVEAWAY ON MOM MOST TRAVELED BLOG!

2010-07-27T14:54:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a prize from the Hard Rock Hotels! The prize is a t-shirt and a watch! How cool!!

I enjoy the Hard Rock cafe in Myrtle Beach, SC(less than an hour and a half from me!)...I have never been to a Hard Rock Hotel though, but would love to!

Enter todayat Mom Most Traveled's blog:

WIN The New Wilton Method of Cake Decorating Classes Prize Package at the Baby Loving Mama Blog!

2010-07-26T18:04:00.006-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a prize package worth over $300!!! It's for you and a friend to take a WILTON New Method of Cake Decorating Class in your local area!

Here's the prize package worth over $300:

A $50 gift card to cover the cost of the Wilton Method Course Tuition, a student kit for the course chosen and a package containing many class supplies needed for the course for themselves and a friend at a local venue! (Each prize package contains two $50 gift cards, two student kits and two packages of supplies!)

WOW! Enter today because it's almost over! head over to the BABY LOVING MAMA BLOG TODAY

BLOG BLAST TWITTER PARTY, YOU COULD WIN $100!

2010-07-25T14:47:00.002-04:00

Blogmania bloggers are all about building relationships - between our blogs, our cherished readers, the online community and business owners. We value each other's opinion as we all are endeavoring to make the best choices for our home life. So it seemed natural to partner up with The Lane Real Estate Team and Breebee's blog to bring you our first ever twitter and blog blast party.

The Lane Real Estate Team is all about building relationships through communities - specializing in Kennewick Homes for Sale. And Bree is a blogger - and a mom - trying to think outside of the box and help build community ties in NW Columbus OH via her Kid event website! Our other twitter party sponsors also offer items to help strengthen and maintain relationships - from stationary to hand stamped sentiments.

Our Party Theme: "Building toward Blogmania with The Lane Real Estate Team" [http://www.joelane.com/]

Info on the Blog Blast:
If you post on your blog(s) our announcement between now and the twitter party you will be entered to win $100 cash. If we reach 500 blogs there will be two additional $50 drawings, totaling 3 winners! You can email breejanderson@gmail.com or blogmaniapr@gmail.com for the HTML code for blog(s) links and some posting specific OR ask the post owner for info and that blog owner will provide you an HTML code.
Please return with your specific blog post links on Bree's Blog, under her Twitter Party PAGE tab.

Info on the Twitter Party:

9:30-10:30pm EST- SUNDAY AUGUST 22 - we will party!
There is a custom tweet grid and a linky for early RSVP. RSVP'ing early also enters you into special drawings. You do not have to RSVP to tweet and win but the 'extra' will not be available.

You can win both the blog blast and at the twitter party!

RSVP at BreeBee's:

Referred by Tree @ Mother of Pearl It Is

**A VERY special thanks to Tree over at Mother of Pearl it Is blog for all of your help!:)

SUBMIT YOUR EXERCISE STORY TO FLUID PUDDING'S BLOG!

2010-07-24T16:05:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to submit your story/video, etc.(exercise related) to win a $150 visa card! WOOHOO!! lol

This is sponsored by Blogher & Laughing Cow cheeses(I just love their commercials!)

head over today to get your entry in!

WIN A GEORGE FOREMAN HEALTHY COOKING EVOLVE GRILL AT LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-07-24T15:07:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an awesome George Foreman healthy cooking EVOLVE grill!! This thing looks amazing..I love the removable plates!!

Who would have a grill WITHOUT removable plates for proper cleaning? NOT ME! lol

Enter today at Leslie's blog:

Summer of Smiles with 1-800-FLOWERS.COM GIVEAWAY ON MOMMY MANDY'S BLOG!

2010-07-24T12:07:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $50 gift card to 1-800-FLOWERS!! What a nice way to show someone you love and care for them, by sending a bouquet! If I was lucky enough to win, I'd send a bouquet to my dear Aunt Shirley in Virginia!

Flowers brighten anybody's day!!

enter today at Mommy Mandy's blog!

WIN AN AMAZING CUISINART ICE CREAM MAKER AT LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-07-23T22:58:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to win an awesome Cuisinart Mix-it-In Soft serve Ice cream maker!! Wait till you get a load of this thing! Just look at the pic!! How COOL is that?? lol

You can customize the types of ice cream you want to make, depending on what flavors you and your family like!

Head over to Leslie's awesome blog to enter today!

WIN DR. PETE'S LEMON PEAR DRESSING & A KEYLIME BAKING MIX WITH PAN AT LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-07-23T22:41:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to win Dr. Pete's lemon pear dressing(Doesn't that sound delicious?) AND a pan complete with a keylime squares baking mix! YUMMY!!

Dr. Pete's is based out of Savannah, Georgia! Nothing but love comes from the kitchen in the South lol

enter to win today at the LOVELY, Leslie's blog!

WIN A CHEERIOS PRIZE PACK AT THE PURPLE LADY'S BLOG!

2010-07-23T19:37:00.001-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a Cheerio's Prize pack from the Purple Lady's Blog!

It is called the "Do What you Love Contest" which focuses on keeping your heart healthy, in order to be able to do what YOU love!

The winner receives a box of Cheerios & a $25 giftcard!

Enter today!

WIN AN AWESOME BABY GIFT BASKET ON THE TEXT MESSAGE BABY BLOG!

2010-07-21T17:55:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter for your chance to win the Text Message Baby Giveaway: Gift Basket (Value $125)!This is such a cute concept and they all crack me up!!

I loved the saying with "LMDO"-Laughing My Diaper Off! HAHA

The gift basket will include:

"Laugh My Diaper Off" Onesie (100% organic cotton - size 12/18m)
"Stuck In My Highchair" Bib (100% organic cotton)
"Giggle" T-Shirt (100% organic cotton - 2T)
Adorable Soft Plush Animal by Beverly Hills Teddy Bear
Eco-Friendly Sassy Earth Brights Nature Inspired Wooden Toy
Eco-Friendly Gardening Kit (Basil Mix)
Fully Lined Storage Wicker Basket

Deadline: 11:59pm CST on July 31st

WIN A POCKET SIZE PHOTO BOOK KIT FROM LET'S JUST GIVE IT AWAY BLOG!

2010-07-21T17:40:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a Zoom Pocket Sized Photo book kit! Fun!

It's a kit and a small photo book that you create at home with your own digital photos, personal computer and home Inkjet printer! Enter to win today-Last day! Giveaway hosted by the Let's Just Give it Away blog!

LAKESHORE CANDLE GIVEAWAY AT LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-07-21T14:42:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win one of SIX awesome candles from the Lakeshore Candle Company!

They use only the best ingredients to ensure that their candles will burn longer and cleaner with a superior scent throw for the ultimate candle burning experience!

I would love to win one..Wouldn't you? Go visit Leslie and enter today! Click her button below to go to her blog, or the link above:

VITAMIN & VACATION PRIZE PACKAGE AT LESLIE LOVES VEGGIES BLOG!

2010-07-20T19:03:00.005-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a prize package that will include a certificate for a FREE One Night Stay and 4 waterpark passes to Great Wolf Resorts. They have locations in several places(My nearest one is Charlotte, NC)..The winner will also receive a gift basket of Vitafusion Heart One, Vitafusion Multi Vites, L'il Critters Vitamin D and L'il Critters Gummy Vites!!

CLICK HERE to learn more about Great Wolf Resorts!

How awesome would it be to win THIS giveaway? Enter today!Giveaway hosted by the amazing Leslie at:

WIN AN AWESOME LUNCHBOX KIT & COOLER BAG FROM CROUCHING MOTHER, HIDDEN TODDLER BLOG!

2010-07-20T12:05:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a cool lunchbox system and a cooler bag! The giveaway is hosted by the Crouching Mother, Hidden Toddler blog(Don't you love that title?lol)

I love to pack my own lunches that way I can control what I'm eating and it's cheaper than take-out lol

Go enter today!

Azul Sensatori by Karisma 2 Night Stay Giveaway on the Mom Start Blog!

2010-07-18T18:52:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a a two-night getaway for a family of four to Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma.

The value of this prize is almost $1,400 and includes accommodations, food & beverage, kid’s club, entertainment, 24-hour room service, full service concierge.

Who wouldn't LOVE this trip? Enter to win today!

WIN A CHEERIOS PRIZE PACK AT THE THRIFTYMAVEN.COM!

2010-07-17T22:51:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter the Cheerios giveaway over at thriftymaven's blog!

It is called the "Do What you Love Contest" which focuses on keeping your heart healthy, in order to be able to do what YOU love!

The winner receives a box of Cheerios & a $25 giftcard!

Enter today!

WIN 25,000 MARRIOTT REWARDS POINTS AT HIP MAMA'S PLACE BLOG!

2010-07-16T05:12:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to win 25,000 Marriott Rewards points from Hip Mama's Place blog!

You can redeem them for many things including free night's stay at many of their hotels!

I personally LOVE Marriott hotels and have always had great experiences staying there!

Enter soon because the giveaway ends on MY birthday, July 19th! lol :)

WIN A CUSTOM ADORAMA PIX PHOTO BOOK AT SERENDIPITY MOMMY'S BLOG!

2010-07-15T23:18:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to have a chance to win(2 winners!) a custom made Adorama Pix photobook!

The link to their website is on her post..Check it out and see what YOU would create! The quality looks amazing. I want to do an "in memory" of my Mom book!

Go enter today!

WIN A Sansui 32" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV/Blu-ray Player Combo AT SAVVY COUPON MOMMY'S BLOG!

2010-07-15T14:34:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to win Sansui 32" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV/Blu-ray Player Combo! WOW, that's a great prize!! This has the following features:

Sansui 32" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV/Blu-ray Player Combo Features:
*Built-in slot-loading Blu-ray player
*BD-Live technology
*Built-in ATSC and Clear QAM tuners
*Dolby Digital audio output
*Integrated stereo speakers
*3D digital comb filter
*Unified remote control

Enter today!

WIN A GOURMET PICNIC BASKET FULL OF GOODIES FROM MIDDAY ESCAPADES BLOG AND ALOUETTE CHEESE!

2010-07-13T19:06:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win an amazing picnic basket full of prizes courtesy of Alouette Cheeses and Middayescapades Blog!

I love their cheese products...they make a nice spread for crackers and you can use them in recipes! Yum!

Enter today before your chance is gone!

WIN AN AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD AT FUN 4 THE CHILDREN'S BLOG!

2010-07-13T13:22:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter to win a $25 American express card from the "fun 4 the children blog".

Kelly Ripa and Electrolux are joining forces once again to celebrate the launch of Electrolux Appliance's new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer - that's right, the familiar duo has split up. So, the link is on the fun4thechildren blog to go make your own banana split and support a good charity!

Enter today!

A NESTLE SUMMER BLOCK PARTY AT MOMMAFINDINGS BLOG!

2010-07-13T13:15:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to enter the Nestle Summer Block Party over at MommaFindings blog...She also has a banner with clickable links, to the other blogs that are participating! It is focused on taking your Summer Fun outdoors, on a budget!

Enter for a chance to win a great Nestle Prize pack with all sorts of FREE coupons for fun summer/picnic items! Who doesn't LOVE free stuff!? lol

Enter today and it's going to last for the rest of this week!

READ THE REVIEW OF NEW CRACKERFULS & WIN A $100 VISA CARD FROM TUPPENCE REVIEWS BLOG!

2010-07-11T15:53:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to read a great review on the new CRACKERFULS crackers & enter for your chance to win a $100 Visa card!! WOOHOO!!!!

That could buy a LOT of Crackerfuls;)

WIN A SAMSUNG PORTABLE HARD DRIVE FROM SWEEPS4BLOGGERS BLOG!

2010-07-11T15:12:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a Samsung Portable hard drive!! woohoo!! lol..This one is the 640 GB one!! Imagine all of the photos(I have tons!), video, documents, etc. you can store on this bad boy!!

Go to the link above and enter today for a chance to own one of your very own!

WIN A $500 VISA CARD AT THE SAVVY COUPON MOMMY'S BLOG! WOW, $500!:)

2010-07-10T19:32:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a $500(Yes, I said $500 lol) visa card from the Savvy coupon Mommy's blog!! WOW, this could go a LONG way for the lucky winner!

Pop on over there and enter today-There are currently over 15,000 entries, but it only takes the ONE lucky number to pop up and it could be YOU(or me lol)

WIN A COOL OFFICE DESK SET AT 3GARNETS2SAPPHIRE'S BLOG!

2010-07-10T17:01:00.005-04:00

CLICK HERE to win a NEAT office/desk set of an M&M brand lamp & an M&M USB powered fan!! How cool is that?? lol

I just found her blog and it's fantastic..Go on over today & show her some comment love!

ALSO, check out the cool site that offers ALL of this BRAND stuff:

BRANDS UNLIMITED