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Subway: Giveaway!

July 12, 2009 By 636 Comments

When I was a kid, m0st of our family vacations went as follows:  wake up, drive a million hours to a destination, eat whatever food was close to the Interstate (even if it meant eating at the same chain restaurant for every meal), eat junk food in the car, arrive at hotel, swim until we burned off all the sugar we ate that day, go to sleep……repeat. 

Face it, while vacations are incredibly fun, they are usually jam packed with unhealthy foods.  Very few people actually count calories while on vacation, and convenience becomes priority. 

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Fortunately, Subway offers a healthy and delicious option while on the road.  You can easily find a Subway near you by either your nose (just follow the smell of the freshly baked bread) or by using the restaurant locator on their website (this is probably more reliable!). 

While your are enjoying your meal at Subway, why not have your child enter the “Taste for Adventure” contest!  Beginning July 1, kids (age 6-14) can share, in 100 words or less, their most exciting journey (past, present or even a future dream adventure) for a chance to win an unforgettable Alaskan Family Adventure! Simply enter at www.Subwaykids.com, or in-store.

GIVEAWAY

Do you want to “eat fresh” while on vacation?  Subway has generously offered one lucky Not-So-Blog reader a Subway Car Kit!   The kits will include: an insulated lunch tote for healthy snacks, a $10 SUBWAY gift card, car games, etc. (approximate value = $35-40) similar to the below picture (colors or games may vary).

subway

How to enter:

1.  Use the Subway Restaurant locator and tell me if there is one near you.

Additional entries:

1.  Blog about this giveaway.

2.  Subscribe to my blog.

3.  Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway! Every time you tweet, you receive an additional entry (you must have at least 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries).

4.  Favorite me in Technorati.

5.  Follow Subway on Twitter and tweet to them that you saw this contest from @BridgetteLA!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 26th.  Open to U.S. Residents only.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Mimi the Sardine Lunchbug: Review and Giveaway

July 11, 2009 By 257 Comments

hypothesis The new Mimi the Sardine lunchbag will be a fun way to pack a snack for Lily during Summer activities.

materials

One Lunchbug in Pink Flora and an afternoon snack! About Mimi the Sardine:

mimilogo

“Mimi the Sardine is a small family-owned company located just north of San Francisco. We have been in business since 1988.  We strive to serve our customers well by putting earth-friendly, well-made and meaningful products on the market.

Our world-class Swedish designs emphasize fun, while the quality, durability, and easy care of our fabric make you and our planet happy! Our cotton has a water-based acrylic coating (not PVC). It is permanently water, soil, and mess resistant yet remains soft and supple.”

 methods

In order to test this bag, we took it to the park stuffed with a juice box, Goldfish crackers and Cheerios.

mimibag

results

We easily fit our snacks for the park in this bag and it was the perfect size for my 4 year old to carry on her own.  I like that it has a zipper closure that not only keeps the contents in the bag, but is kid-friendly.  Of course, Goldfish crackers became smashed inside the bag, but the bag was easily wiped out with a damp cloth.  While I wouldn’t recommend this bag for long trips because it is not insulated, it was perfect for our short trip to the park. 

summary

Mimi the Sardine prides itself on bringing functional, eco-friendly products to the consumer.  Not only do they carry the adorable lunchbugs, but they offer adult shopping bags, tablecloths, and splashmats.  I thought the quality of the lunchbug was wonderful and the design was adorable.  I would consider giving the lunchbug or another Mimi the Sardine product as a gift.

references Mimi the Sardine has generously offered a lunchbug of your choice to one lucky Not-So-Blog reader!  Plus, if you buy $50 or more on the company’s website by August 31 (any products) at www.mimithesardine.com, after checking out through Paypal you will receive an email confirmation. Forward that confirmation to customerservice@mimithesardine.com, the company will include at no charge two 100% organic uncoated cotton napkins (retail value $12). You can choose one of each, two total; or two of the same pattern; from four styles: Hybrid Cars, Propeller, Blue Flora or Pink Flora

How to enter:

1. Tell me which lunchbug you would choose from Mimi the Sardine!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.

2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited!

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 25th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: ,

BlogHer or Bust!

July 9, 2009 By 13 Comments

In just two short weeks, I will be headed to Chicago to attend BlogHer ’09!  I am a blogging conference virgin, so I have no idea what to expect.  Being the planner that I am, I printed out the agenda of classes, seminars and networking opportunities and started to make my itinerary (highlighted in color coded sections, of course!).  My spirit was high (or maybe it was the sharpie fumes), either way, I was thrilled to be able to attend the “blogger event of the year!” 

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Then, I started to hear about fellow bloggers receiving invitations to private parties sponsored by incredible companies such as Nikon, Disney and Energizer.  I searched my inbox only to find that my invitation to any such party must have been lost somewhere in the world wide web. 

All of a sudden, I feel like the wallflower of blogging.  Where did this insecurity come from? So, I started searching for anything related to BlogHer parties so I could learn how to get my foot in the door (who doesn’t wonder what’s behind the curtain?), and I ran across an article entitled, “divine secrets of the BlogHer ‘08 sisterhood,” a post written by Stephanie Klein after she returned from last year’s BlogHer event.  This exerpt speaks volumes:

“It’s really like walking around a constant, 3-day, pledge class, wondering when you’ll finally be able to fully relax and be inducted into the sorority of women. It’s scary in a way that shouldn’t be. I hear way too many people mention “private parties” with apologies. “Oh, are you going to the Nintendo dinner?” she whispers. No. I wasn’t invited. “What about the private party at the suite upstairs by this sponsor? Oh, did you go to the sponsored private cocktail…” Since when did blogging become so elitist? It really is just another way, ironically enough, to feel rejected.

Until, that is, you aren’t. Until those moments where you connect immediately to someone you’ve read before. To someone who just gets it, with whom you share all the unspokens. And then it all changes. Your outlook, your enjoyment, and what you get out of it all. What I was reminded of most at my first BlogHer experience, at the most basic level, is what it’s like to go about making brand new friends, without relying on insincerity, or flattery, without bonding over mean girl moments. How fragile all of us can be, how nervous, how eager we are to be liked. And how ridiculously satisfying it is to connect with strangers who are now suddenly so much more.”

Whoa.  How true!  This article made me take a step back and re-focus on why I wanted to attend BlogHer in the first place.  I cannot wait to go learn from the best, reconnect with old friends, make brand new ones, and star-gaze at the bloggers I have come to admire.   While invitations to private parties sure would be nice, it is only icing on the cake.  If anyone is looking for me, I’ll be at my own private party at the pool.  Come join me!

Filed Under: My So-Called Life Tagged With: ,

Hot Picks from Haute Mamas: July Edition!

July 8, 2009 By 4 Comments

Looking for some new blogs to read with some fabulous content and giveaways? I have been asked to be a part of a new feature on Cool Baby Kid called “Hot Picks from Haute Mamas!” Each month, we will be bringing you some bloggy picks that you do not want to miss! Check out the July edition below:

hautepicks

Do you have a post you want to get noticed?  Leave a link to a great post, review or giveaway!

Filed Under: Promotions Tagged With:

Tyson Skillet Creations: Review and Giveaway

July 8, 2009 By 328 Comments

hypothesis Tyson’s new Skillet Creations Meal Kits will make preparing dinner after a long day at work infinitely easier….not to mention healthier and tastier!

materials

One bag of Tyson’s Steak Stroganoff with Noodles Skillet Creations Meal and one hungry family!  About Tyson’s Skillet Creations:

tysonskillet“With more than 70% of Americans consuming more than the daily recommended 2,400mg of sodium per day, Tyson Foods has teamed up with Food Network host Robin Miller to offer their brand new Skillet Creations Meal Kits, which have 45 percent less sodium than their previous frozen meal kits and less sodium than many of their key frozen meal kit competition competitors.”

methods The method for this “experiment” was one of the easiest I have done to date!  Simply open the bag, pour contents in skillet, heat for 10 minutes and serve!

results

My family and I tried the Steak Stroganoff with Noodles Skillet Creation.  I was shocked at how easy it was to prepare an entire meal!  In no more than 15 minutes, dinner was taken out of the freezer, cooked and served.  My husband and I both enjoyed the meal and found it very filling.  We simply added a salad to begin the meal, but no other sides were necessary.  My husband also has high blood pressure, so he definitely watches his sodium intake.  It is comforting to know that the Tyson Skillet Creations have less sodium than their previous meal kits.

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summary

I would definitely recommend the new Tyson Skillet Creations to any family who is in need of a quick and easy meal.  You can look for varieties such as Grilled Chicken or Steak Fajitas, Chicken Tuscany & Penne, Asian Style Orange Chicken and Steak Stroganoff.

Food Network’s, Robin Miller also recently started the website, Embrace Dinner, which provides meal planning tips, recipes, coupons and video demonstrations. She also shares several recipes in order to “Keep it Cool” this summer! You, too, can share your “Keeping it Cool” recipes with Robin for a chance to win a $1000 prize package!  Quick this contest ends Monday, July 13th!

references Are you in need of a quick and tasty meal?  Tyson has generously offered one Not-So-Blog reader their choice of one of their Skillet Creation varieties!

How to enter:

1. Tell me which variety of Tyson’s Skillet Creations you would choose if you won!

Additional entries:

1. If you enter the “Keep it Cool” contest, you will receive 10 extra entries to this contest!

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.

3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited!

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

6. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 23th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With:

Wordless Wednesday

July 8, 2009 By 20 Comments

003Do you want fries with that?

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged With:

Multiply.com Review and Promotional Code

July 7, 2009 By 1 Comment

hypothesis Multiply.com will be a great way to network, share pictures and videos with close family and friends online in a safe environment.

materials My photos, videos and family email addresses and the Multiply.com website.  About Multiply:

“Based in Boca Raton, FL, Multiply offers its members a comprehensive media management solution with social tools that allow them to share personal content safely and securely with a relevant audience of real-life personal contacts. The only mainstream social network with a fully-integrated photo finishing solution, Multiply makes it easy for members to order photo-centric products right from their accounts, and Members enjoy the benefit of permanent storage and back ups of their original resolution media files. Multiply’s best of breed privacy controls appeal to a growing number of individuals who are not only concerned with privacy issues surrounding other social networks, but who value content created by their real-world friends and family. “

multiply
methods To get started, I simply signed up for a FREE account, personalized my page with a premade template and uploaded pictures and video from my PC.

results

My first impression of the Multiply.com site was that it was very user-friendly.  When creating an account you can specify what your personalized URL which makes it infinitely easier to share with friends and family.  After activating my account, I browsed all of the different options and decided to set up my homepage first.  You can choose from several premade templates and upload a profile picture as well.  Next, I wanted to get to the “meat and potatoes” of the site and tried to manage and organize my photos.  I easily was able to upload pictures and video in record time.  If you follow my Twitter at all, you will know that I have been having massive issues with my slow as molasses computer, so honestly, I was dreading trying to upload pictures.  But, it went incredibly smooth and oh so fast!  I am probably the LEAST patient person in my family, so fast equals good in my book!

One feature I thought was really neat was that after publishing a picture, I could decide who has access to it.  For example, I can set the level of privacy I want for that photo.  Maybe I only want Aunt Ethel to see the picture of baby Aubrie, or I have professional pics that only co-workers can view….it’s all possible with Multiply!

summary

Multiply.com is also so much more than a photo hosting site.  It is also a great place to network, too!  You can publish blog posts, send personal messages, create birthday reminders, edit photos, and create a calendar.  Of course, you can also purchase prints, photo books, and cards.  Here are the latest improvements to the newly redesigned service:

  • Multiply’s Media Locker serves as a member’s central home for media – making it easier than ever to publish photo albums and videos with a few clicks, while offering members a private, secure dashboard to view, organize, store and edit their media.
  • Fully Integrated Online photo editing tools including red eye and blemish reduction, cropping and resizing, contrast/brightness controls, exposure adjustment and auto leveling – make it easy to edit photos right from a member’s Media Locker, making photo editing possible at any time, from any computer. With Version 4.0, Multiply will be the first major social network that offers photo editing integrated within its core service.
  • Multiply’s AutoUploader is more powerful than ever, making it a simple, time-saving solution for automatically uploading media files to the Multiply Media Locker. AutoUploaders save, on average, 90 minutes each week in upload time with the free, quickly installed, no fuss tool. The AutoUploader provides a completely automated back up solution for a member’s most precious photos and videos.
  • Picasa and Windows Photo Gallery plug-ins will allow members to seamlessly import their desktop media galleries to their online media lockers.
  • An Expanded Selection of Photo Finishing Options, with additional themes and options for turning favorite photos into physical products, including photo books, calendars, cards and prints, give members the ability to turn their favorite photos into memorable keepsakes.

photobook

references As always, a basic account at Multiply.com is FREE.  And right now, they are offering ALL my Not-So-Blog readers 50 free 4×6 prints with the code 50NOTSOBLOG

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ,

WINNERS!

July 7, 2009 By 5 Comments

More great contests have ended!  Did you win?

Ballerina Bells Gift Card: Rhen

Albolene: Pita and Susan Smith

Big Eye Dummies: Lucy S.

Little Debbie Muffins: Donna L, Renee and Samantha M.

BabyBonkie: Jillian

Reliable Steamboy Steam mop: Cori W.

Thanks for supporting The Not-So-Blog and the incredible sponsors!  I have a TON of giveaways going on right now.  Make sure you don’t miss the chance to enter! 

If you won, you will receive an email shortly.  You have 72 hours from the time of the email to claim your prize.

Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With: , , , , ,

Gina B Bella laptop bag from Kolobags (Gift #6)

July 6, 2009 By 651 Comments

hypothesis Kolobags‘ Gina B bella laptop bag will be the perfect professional, stylish and functional laptop bag for attending BlogHer 2009!

materials One Gina B bella laptop bag from Kolobags, my laptop and a girl ready for BlogHer! About Kolobags:

logo_kolobags“Kolobags is the one-stop shop for everyone looking for technology fashion without compromising on style. The online boutique offers the widest array of designer laptop bags, specialty bags and technology accessories available both on- and off-line. Since its opening in Fall 2004, Kolobags has offered an ever-changing selection of top-of-the-line designs, all hand-selected from the latest styles emerging from around the world. “

methods I was like a kid in a candy store when I opened the box!  I searched every inch of the Gina B bag, placed my laptop in the sleeve and checked out this bag from every angle in the mirror!  I am definitely not a vein person, but this bag totally sucked me in from first glance.

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results

I decided to use all of my senses to test this bag.  SMELL:  The first thing I noticed when pulling this bag from the box was how amazing it smelled!  I absolutely love the smell of leather!  TOUCH:  The Gina B bag is so soft!  It does not feel flimsy and has a nice weight to it.  You can feel the craftsmanship of this bag!   SIGHT:  The appearance of this bag was stylish, classy and professional.  When I opened the bag, I fell in love!  It was PINK (for those of you that know me well, you can practically see me dancing around the house, right?)!  Not only was this a stylish and professional bag, but was FUN, too!  The Gina B bella laptop bag comes complete with a padded laptop sleeve and 2 main compartments for storage which close with a magnetic clasp.  A zippered pocket and a clasp for keys really helps keep your things organized.  By carrying this laptop bag at BlogHer, I will not need to carry a purse as well.  HEARING:  Ok, I know it is weird to “listen” to a laptop bag, but go with me on this.  After taking the time to stock my bag, I had used the zipper several times.  You can definitely tell the quality of this bag by the way the zipper sounds…I hope that makes sense!  It is a heavy duty zipper which gives me confidence that my laptop is safe and secure.  TASTE:  Just kidding….I skipped this one.  I don’t think the fine people at Kolobags would appreciate me licking this laptop bag….although I was tempted! LOL!

summary

I was genuinely impressed with the quality, appearance and functionality of the Gina B Bella bag, but I was also impressed by the entire Kolobags website and customer service!  With the selection of products available and the “laptop bag finder” tool, there is certainly a bag for every taste and budget!  Kolobags has made is very easy to find THE perfect bag by allowing customers to search the products by size, color, price, brand, function and style.  Recently, Kolobags has expanded their product line and is now offering wallets, camera cases, and much more!  Kolobags is also customer friendly by offering FREE shipping on orders over $50!

references The Gina B Bella bag can be purchased directly from Kolobags for $249.00.  Do you need an incredible laptop bag?  Kolobags has genrously offered one lucky Not-So-Blog reader a Gina B Bella Bag of their very own!!

How to enter:

1. Visit Kolobags and tell me another product you would love to own!

Additional entries:

1. Fine me carrying the Gina B Bella bag at BlogHer ’09, ask for a Kolobags business card and receive 10 extra entries!

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.

3. Follow @BridgetteLA and @Kolobags on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have at least 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries.)

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

6.  Become a Fan of Kolobags on Facebook.

7. Favorite me in Technorati!

8.  Sign up for Kolobags’ newsletter.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 31st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to Continental U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

BARBAR Professional Flat Iron (Gift #5)

July 5, 2009 By 946 Comments

hypothesis A Cordless Flat Iron would make straightening my hair infinitely easier by providing more flexibility.

materials One BARBAR Ceramic 1800 Cordless Flat Iron and an unruly head of hair!  About BARBAR:

“BARBAR is based in Beverly Hills, CA and has been in operation since 2000.  With over 20 years of experience as a former stylist, the company’s founder, Dominic Barbar, has applied his years of technical know-how to turn his passion into reality by creating a premium line of hair care products that simplify the hair stylist’s job. “

barbariron
methods After washing and conditioning my hair, I let it air dry as I normally do at night.  I took a picture (for your enjoyment) of me before straightening my hair.  After charging the flat iron, I straightened my hair in about 10 minutes and snapped another photo.

Before (gotta love the fresh out of the shower look, right?)

Before
results

After plugging in the BARBAR Ceramic 1800 Cordless Flat Iron and connecting the iron to the base, it took mere seconds to charge completely.  The iron heats up to 392F and sounds three short beeps when the iron is ready to use.  I began the straighten my hair as usual but this time, it was so much easier!  I had no idea how much fighting I normally did with the cord of my regular flat iron!  By using the cordless flat iron, I was able to straighten my hair quicker because I had the freedom to move about in any direction.  I also felt much safer using this flat iron when my toddler was present.  I am always concerned that she will grab the cord of my regular flat iron (she has lightening fast hands!), but because the base of this flat iron is not needed in order to straighten my hair, their is no cord to grab!  I was concerned that having the convenience of going cordless would cause me to sacrifice quality, but the BARBAR 1800 Professional Flat Iron worked as well, if not better than my regular iron.  The cordless flat iron held a charge for roughly 5 minutes, but charged up again in seconds while I was sectioning off the next piece of hair.  Charging the iron did NOT slow me down one bit.

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summary

I absolutely love the freedom that the BARBAR Ceramic 1800 Cordless Flat Iron provides.  Having a cordless flat iron would have been IDEAL for my dance performance in early June!  Trying to stuff several dancers into a dressing room does not afford much room for cords!  I also loved the fact that you can also use this iron connected to the cord for longer jobs.  The quality and versatility of this product makes it worth the purchase!  Need other hairstyling tools?  BARBAR also carries hair dryers, curling irons and styling products!

references The BARBAR Ceramic 1800 Cordless Flat Iron can be purchased directly for $140.00.  Do you need a new flat iron?  Intrigued by the cordless design?  BARBAR has generously donated the exact same flat iron I reviewed to one lucky Not-So-Blog reader!

How to enter:

1. Visit BARBAR and tell me another product you would love to own!

Additional entries:

1. Join the BARBAR Mailing list.

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.

3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have at least 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries.)

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

6. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 26th). Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: ,
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