You are here: Home / 2010 / Archives for November 2010

Make Online Shopping More Social with Rightcliq by Visa

November 18, 2010 By 1 Comment

With the holidays just around the corner (Christmas is only 36 days away!), my family has begun asking for gift ideas for my little ones.  While my two daughters are certainly at no loss for suggestions, it can be hard to organize which suggestion to give to a family member in order to assure ten of the same thing are not purchased.  Of course, I don’t want to dictate to my family exactly what to buy, but would rather present them with a list of options.

I was recently introduced to Rightcliq by Visa, a new online shopping tool.  After a few minutes exploring the website, I have definitely found the solution to my dilemma.  About RightCliq:

“Our mission is simple-put the shopping power in the hands (and laptops) of consumers. Arm them with intel and help them share product ideas, advice and research. They’ll end up shopping smarter, saving money and having loads of fun in the process.

We want to make online shopping more socially interactive, beautifully visual and simple to manage. To bring all the pieces together so what was fragmented and chaotic is now well-organized.

Roam the web, grab the things you’re thinking of buying and import them right into your Wishspace. Then you can share, compare, ask friends for advice and access all of your payment card details and other information in one handy-dandy place.”

Anxious to get started, I opened my free account at Rightcliq and installed the application within a few minutes.  Rightcliq is run right from your toolbar which seamlessly integrates it into your online shopping experience.   After finding a Nintendo DSi (which my daughter has placed at the TOP of her list) at a good price, I placed the product in my Wishspace on Rightcliq with a few easy clicks.  As I added more gift suggestions, I was able to sort them by recipient and create a bundle. Now, friends and family can come to my Wishspace and see the bundles of gift suggestions for each person in my home.  My family can also leave notes letting me know which items were purchased!

Another great thing about Wishspace is that you can securely store your address, shipping and payment information and use the auto-fill feature to make check out a breeze!  You can also ask for advice from friends and family if you are having a hard time making a difficult purchasing decision.  It’s like taking all your best friends shopping without the logistics!

After my experience with Rightcliq by Visa, I learned that the tool is not only fun, but a great way to shop smart!  Santa should definitely check it out!

Don’t miss a beat!  Follow Rightcliq by Visa on Twitter and Facebook!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  I received a stipend for my time in writing this post.  However, all opinions remain 100% mine.
Filed Under: Promotions Tagged With: , ,

Clorox Toilet Bowl in New Orleans! {Giveaway}

November 17, 2010 By

Here in New Orleans, we bleed Black and Gold.  I’m not kidding.  Saints football is like a religion to most New Orleanians, and my family is no exception.  For years, the Saints were the Aints and although we were tired of being at the bottom, we supported our boys and cheered them on.  But, earlier this year, everything changed.  The New Orleans Saints are now the SUPERBOWL CHAMPION New Orleans Saints.

This Thanksgiving, Saints fans get a special treat!  Our team will be playing on Thanksgiving Day!  Many fans will trade in the traditional turkey dinners for tailgating food and popcorn.  So, it’s only fitting that the first ever Clorox Toilet Bowl will be played right here in New Orleans!

From the SuperBowl to the ToiletBowl?  Just hear me out….I have a point!

Many families across America partake in a friendly (or mostly friendly) games of touch football.  This year, Clorox is inviting two families to travel to New Orleans and play the game in the official ToiletBowl!  Each finalist, will be able to select nine teammates to travel to New Orleans for a 3 day, 2 night vacation in the Big Easy.  And the best part?  The former pro quarterback (and The Bachelor star) Jesse Palmer will coach the families!

So how do you enter this fabulous contest?

  • Tell Clorox in 100 words or less why your team should play in the Clorox® Toilet BowlTM. Describe your family tradition; your game if you have one and if not, how you experience the bowl season.
  • 2. Upload a photo. Upload a photo of yourself either alone or with family and/or friends that displays your family-friendly football tradition.
  • 3. Pick a mascot. Make it distinct, memorable and worthy of the throne.
  • 4. Choose your colors. Porcelain White or Crystal Blue? Your Toilet BowlTM colors are up to you.
  • 5. Rally your fans. Gain support by sharing the position you think your friends and family were destined to play.

GIVEAWAY

To get you all excited about the Clorox ToiletBowl (I mean, who wouldn’t be excited, right?),  Clorox would like to give one of my readers their very own Clorox Toilet Wand and pink branded football!

How to enter:

1. Tell me your favorite NFL team!  Who are you pulling for each Sunday!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

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

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 1st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Clorox and received a gift code, toilet wand and football to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , ,

Paul Frank Nestle Crunch: Review and Giveaway

November 17, 2010 By
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Pearl Source Review: Find your inner June Cleaver!

November 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When I first started writing for Experimental Mommy, I noted that when I was a little girl, I had big dreams of being the perfect June Cleaver housewife.  Then reality set in.  Even though I am not June, I can still try to be perfectly put together like her, right?  June was always perfectly dressed and ladylike.  In order to pull off the classic June Cleaver look, you must have pearls.

A great place to start?  The Pearl Source! The Pearl Source is a fantastic online retailer for pearl jewelry of all varieties.  From the website:  “The Pearl Source was officially established in 1991 in the Jewelry District of Los Angeles as one of the first direct importers and wholesalers of Loose Pearls in the United States. Since then, we have evolved into a supplier of virtually every type of pearl available including South Sea, Akoya, and Freshwater pearls. We now directly import over 10,000 Golden, Australian South Sea and Tahitian pearls every month.  We are proud of our high rate of repeat business from consumers who continue to find the highest quality pearls at the lowest prices available anywhere”

Find the perfect stocking stuffer at The Pearl Source!

Although it’s easy to find your essential June Cleaver look at The Pearl Source, you may want something a little less 1950′s.  Check out the Tincup selection or some of the beautiful updated classics you can find in the ring selection.  The Pearl Source was kind enough to send me a pair of Pearl Stud Earrings. Growing up with a Granny that was A) a real life June Cleaver and B) a jewelry lover, I know how to spot good jewelery when I see it.  The earrings are perfect.  Not to big and not too small, creamy white and tasteful.  The perfect gift for anyone this Christmas!  So go ahead!  Make someone’s Inner June happy at The Pearl Source!

This review is the opinion of Jennifer, a writer at Experimental Mommy.  A product sample was provided in order to facilitate this review, however all opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ,

My Pillow Pets: Magical Unicorn Review and Giveaway

November 15, 2010 By

As I make my way down my Christmas gift list, I am starting to run out of ideas for the many children in within my family and friendship circle.  While it’s always easy to grab another video game or new hippest Barbie, one of the things my daughters have honestly used daily are their Pillow Pets, a stuffed animal that transforms into a functional pillow!

Last year, My Pillow Pets were all the rage and sold out very quickly!  This year is not expected to be any different as these lovable pillows are the perfect companion for your child.  The company has expanded it’s offerings to include backpacks and slippers, but the most exciting news is the development of a My Pillow Pets Virtual World!  The characters in the online world, represent cultures and values from around the globe and can be found on the My Pillow Pets Blog!  In addition to the cultural characters, the virtual world will include interactive games and fun learning facts.

Pillow Pets

Recently, we had the opportunity to test out the Magical Unicorn (did you know her favorite things are flowers and sparkles?).  My daughters were thrilled to add this character to their Pillow Pet collection!  It is amazingly soft and a beautiful purple, too.  If you are looking for a great unique, functional gift for the little one on your list, you really can’t go wrong with a Pillow Pet!

GIVEAWAY

Would you like to own the Magical Unicorn?  The generous people at My Pillow Pets have donated one Magical Unicorn Pillow Pet to one of my lucky readers!

How to enter:

1. Visit Pillow Pets and tell me which pet is your favorite!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Pillow Pets(10 extra entries).

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and My Pillow Pets on Facebook (they have great contests over there)

5.  Place my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 2nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Pillow Pets who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Disney’s A Christmas Carol in 3D on Blu-ray!

November 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

One of the best things about the holiday season sharing traditions and making new memories with loved ones.  My family is still young, so we are making new traditions of our own that hopefully we will share for many years to come.  For starters, we make decorating the Christmas tree a family event.  Hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course!) is served and pajamas are worn as we relive the memories of each ornament placed on the tree.  After the tree is decorated, we put on a holiday themed movie and spend the evening together (last year we watched Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, remember that one?). A christmas carol

This Tuesday, November 16th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment debuts its first Blu-ray™ 3D release with the unique interpretation of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey.   While my children are a bit young for this holiday classic, families with tweens and teens would love it!  Carrey plays multiple characters including the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come in this comical, touching, and sometimes eerie movie.  From the press release:

“From Walt Disney Pictures comes the magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale – Disney’s A Christmas Carol, the high-flying, heartwarming adventure for the whole family. When three ghosts take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas – but he must act on it before it’s too late. Complete with spirited bonus features, this exhilarating and touching Disney classic is destined to be part of a family holiday tradition, adding sparkle and heart to all Christmases yet to come.”

Not sure if this movie is for you?  Take a look at this clip:

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product.  I was not compensated for this review except for the sample product to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine. Affiliate links are used in this post.
Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

More Goodness from Ovaltine: Giveaway

November 13, 2010 By

Last month, I shared with you some facts about Ovaltine and a tasty recipe for brownies (did you try them?).  In this recipe, we used the traditional Rich Chocolate variety of Ovaltine, but did you know there are two more varieties to try?  From the press release:

  • Rich Chocolate – Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals; available in 12 oz and 18 oz canisters
  • Chocolate Malt – Fortified with 8 vitamins and minerals; available in 12 oz canister
  • Classic Malt – Fortified with 8 vitamins and minerals; available in 12 oz canister

Anxious to taste test some of the other varieties, we decided to try the Ovaltine Choc-o-nana Shake using the Chocolate Malt variety.

What you need:

1 to 1 1/2 cups fat free milk
2 medium bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen
1 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup of OVALTINE (Rich Chocolate, Chocolate Malt or Classic Malt Mix)

How to make it:

PhotobucketPlace milk, bananas, ice and OVALTINE in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
Cook’s Tip: For added protein, blend in 1 scoop vanilla protein powder.

Obviously, this is a super easy recipe, which is right at my skill level!  We did not freeze the bananas, so we decided to add a little bit of fat free frozen yogurt to add a thicker texture.  All in all, the recipe only took about 5 minutes to prepare and we served it to both of my daughters after naptime.  It was a huge hit and both of them asked for seconds!

GIVEAWAY

Would you like to try some of these tasty recipes from Ovaltine?  One winner will receive a basket full of Nestle goodies including Ovaltine!

How to enter:

1. Check out the varieties of Ovaltine and tell me which one you like best!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and OvaltineUSA (10 extra entries).

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

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

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 30th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product.  I received a stipend and sample product in compensation for my time. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Dreamy Eyes Stuffed Toys from Aurora: Review and Giveaway

November 13, 2010 By

Recently, my immediate family has had quite the baby boom!  With all the little ones around for Christmas, I have been keeping my eyes out for age appropriate toys for the holidays.  When I was asked to review the Dreamy Eyes plush toys from Aurora, I knew it would make an excellent candidate.

About Aurora:
“Aurora is the leading supplier of affordable, high quality gift products. Since its establishment in 1981, the company has ascended to become a respected leader in the character & contents industry.

Aurora is your “One Stop Solution”.  Value prices, high quality and large variety, as well as international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources are hallmarks of Aurora’s success. Aurora offers products for a range of children and adults who represent nearly every walk of life.

The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, department stores, high-end toy stores, top gift chains, as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationary stores worldwide. Take a step into Aurora’s world and see what everyone is smiling about.”

The Dreamy Eyes dolls (there are 13 in all) feature big wide eyes which make them incredibly charming.  We received Roary Lion and the Lea Lamb, both which are precious.  The 13″ dolls are bean filled and can be found for $12.99 making these plush animals the perfect stocking stuffer for your little one (ages 2 and up).  In fact, I would love to have Pickles the Pig!!  So cute!

Aurora has many plush toys for just about any interest. You can even find a Mama Meerkat and Pup or the very popular Yoohoo and Friends (my daughter loves the pop singer!).

GIVEAWAY

Do you have a little one that would love to cuddle with a Dreamy Eyes plush?  One winner will receive their choice of a Dreamy Eyes doll!

How to enter:

1. Check out the selection of Dreamy Eyes plush dolls at Aurora.  Which one would you choose?

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Aurora (10 extra entries).

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

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

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 29th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product.  I was not compensated for this review except for the sample product to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , ,

First Impressions Fall Line: Review and Giveaway

November 12, 2010 By

First Impressions

With Fall in full swing (well, maybe not here in New Orleans, but it’s Fall everywhere else!), it’s time to break out the long sleeves, pants and light jackets.  I recently received a gift set (6-9 months, baby girl) from First Impressions, and while our little ones need to be warm, I learned that you don’t have to sacrifice cuteness!  About First Impressions:

“First Impressions is a collection of classic clothing for newborns and infants. The collection features sweet, traditional designs, fine fabrics and time-honored details. It is a favorite gift choice, particularly for special occasions. First Impressions also offers charming, everyday clothing for an incredible value.  First Impressions collections are available exclusively at over 800 Macy’s stores nationwide and online at macys.com.”

The gift set that I received included an adorable winter dress from the Satin Hanger Collection (perfect for Christmas Eve), a four piece layette set from the Everyday Value Collection and a pink plush teddy bear.  The gift set comes boxed very nicely with tissue paper, perfect for gift giving.  All of the pieces are well made and the layette set is incredibly soft, too!  This is actually the third First Impressions Gift Set I have seen and I have not been disappointed by the quality in any of their collections.  I would highly recommend this gift set for the baby on your gift list this year.

GIVEAWAY

Do you have a baby on your holiday list that could use some new clothes?  One winner will randomly be chosen to receive one First Impressions Gift Set from their Fall/Winter Line!

How to enter:

1. Check out the First Impressions collection at Macy’s and tell me which piece catches your eye!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

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

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 29th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product.  I was not compensated for this review except for the sample product to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine. Macy’s will be fulfilling the product requests, but is not administering the giveaway.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Dominos Aubidle Tracker: $20 Gift Card Giveaway

November 11, 2010 By

When we get home from work and realize that we forgot to plan dinner, we often reach for the phone and dial up Dominos.  Try as I might, it is hard to distract my two little ones from their hungry tummies.  This often leads to me wondering how long it’s been since I made the order and frantic pacing by the front door.  Now, Dominos has come up with a great (and fun!) way to track the status of your pizza online!  From the press release:

“Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, has given its revolutionary Pizza Tracker™ tool an auditory upgrade! Beginning today, customers who order online from Domino’s will not only see – but hear their order being made, thanks to the introduction of Talking Tracker.

After an order is placed, either by phone or online at www.dominos.com, customers who utilize Pizza TrackerTM will now be able to choose from six themes – each one giving the interface a distinct look and voice. Depending on the theme, Talking Tracker might sing, cheer or even sweet talk customers the status of their order from the moment it’s prepared to the second it’s out the door or ready for pickup.

Talking Tracker is also compatible with Surf With Tracker, brand new feature that allows consumers to browse the web without losing track of their order.

“We’re continuing to add to the convenience of Domino’s online ordering and Pizza TrackerTM, now allowing customers to leave their computers and still know where their pizza is in the ordering process – as long as their speakers are turned up!” said Chris Brandon, Domino’s Pizza spokesperson. “Adding these elements is our way of making sure we are creating the most innovative ordering experience possible.”

Giveaway

Want to try out the audible tracker?  Domino’s has generously offered one lucky reader a $20 Domino’s gift card to satisfy all of your pizza cravings!

How to enter:

1. Tell me how you would spend your $20 gift card!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Domino’s (10 extra entries).

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

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

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 29th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product.  I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »