reviews

December 15, 2010

aboutone – online family management for busy families giveaway

**giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, comment #4, Kellyn!**

Are you a busy busy family who has trouble getting and staying organized?

(Did anyone NOT raise their hand?)

If so, let me introduce you to AboutOne.

AboutOne is an online family management system with a touch of magic. It is one place that is accessible anytime, anywhere from any device. In just seconds you can store, secure, and manage what matters most: precious memories and household information.

I don’t know about you, but I need all the help I can get! I can’t wait to see how AboutOne will help me manage our 5 busy schedules and zillions of pieces of information we need to keep our household running!

How would you like to win a one year membership to AboutOne? Well, you can! Here’s how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment telling me you need help!
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama’s feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me you became a Girlymama Facebook fan!
Extra Entry #3: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, December 17th at noon. Entries such as “Enter me” or “I want to win” will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don’t hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner.

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This giveaway is a part of the Holiday Extravaganza Digital Campaign, sponsored by Playmobil. To learn about more opportunities to win these prizes with other participating bloggers, click here to head over to the Holiday Extravaganza Facebook page.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Playmobil. I received one of the product I am giving away to facilitate this post and was compensated for my time in running this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. Prizes will be sent directly from the company giving away the item. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.

December 15, 2010

rice krispie treat holiday challenge $100 gift card giveaway

Melissa 185 Comments

**this giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, comment #65 – Heather!**

Around the 4th of July, I was involved in a recipe challenge with Rice Krispies and the Motherhood.com. I had a great time (as did my kids who LOVE Rice Krispie Treats almost as much as their mama), so when Rice Krispies asked me if I'd be interested in a holiday recipe showdown, I was in!

Our challenge this time around was to create a "holiday Rice Krispies Treats show-stopper recipe."

Gulp.

The kids and I put our heads together and talked about what our favorite holiday treats were. Candy Canes was topping the kids' list. But for me… my favorite holiday treat is a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. The first time I see that on the menu board, I know that the holidays have truly arrived! And I will use any excuse – ANY – to snag one while they're in season. I may or may not have had one just this afternoon. (Ahem.)

So, I'd like to present…

Peppermint Mocha Treats

4 tbsp butter
1 bag mini marshmellows
8 oz chopped semisweet chocolate (chips are fine)
1 tbsp strongly brewed coffee
6 cups Rice Krispies
3/4 cup Andes creme de menthe baking chips

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add 1 bag (10 ounces) of mini marshmallows; cook, stirring, until melted.
Add chocolate and coffee; cook, stirring, until the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Quickly fold in 6 cups of Rice Krispies and 3/4 cup creme de menthe chips until mixed.
Coat an ice cream scoop (or your hands) with nonstick cooking spray; scoop mixture onto parchment paper, forming clusters. Let set and enjoy!

I brought these babies to church on Sunday for coffee hour piled high on a hige plate. Everyone who saw them (sitting next to the big plate of boring old regular Rice Krispie Treats I had also brought) and they were like, "WHAT are THOSE?!?" And, not to toot my own horn, but people were RAVING about how good they were. The plate was empty in minutes and I had to promise to bring back more next Sunday for people who missed out.

So what is more fun than Peppermint Mochas and using Christmas as an excuse to eat Rice Krispie Treats for breakfast? Well, how about your chance to win a $100 Visa Gift card? Simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite way to eat Rice Krispies Treats!!

THEMOTHERHOOD HOLIDAY RICE KRISPIES TREATS EXCHANGE BLOGGER GIVEAWAY

Abbreviated Rules. No Purchase Necessary. Begins no earlier than 12:00:00 AM (ET) on 11/29/10 and ends no later than 11:59:59 PM (ET) on 12/21/10. For complete Official Rules, go to http://web.mediacdt.com/docs/motherhoodholiday
Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Subject to complete Official Rules. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: TheMotherhood; www.TheMotherhood.com

disclosure: This post and contest are sponsored by Rice Krispies and the Motherhood.com. I was compensated for my time in writing this post and running this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

December 14, 2010

tassimo T20 giveaway

Melissa 63 Comments

**giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, #27 – Megan!**

On to the next giveaway!

Remember a week or so ago when I said I needed a Starbucks in my house?

Well, I now have one. Meet my new best friend:

This is the new Tassimo Hot Beverage System. And this baby can make you a Starbucks Latte in about a minute. I am in heaven!! This thing makes amazing coffee – and believe me, I know coffee! I've fought this trend, arguing that I don't have enough counter space, I don't want to buy the discs, etc. But the discs are surprisingly affordable (especially in bulk on Amazon!) and are certainly cheaper then actually going to the coffee shop.
The Tassimo T20 is so cool – it makes coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte, crema, espresso and hot cocoa in about one minute. And it uses unique bar code technology allows the brewer to read a bar code on each T disc and deliver a tasty cup each and every time. Each T disc's bar code signals to the machine the optimal amount of water and temperature required.

How did I get one? Well, I was here at the Holiday Extravaganza when EVERYONE there got a Tassimo T20!!

(I'm not in the video – I was standing next to the girl taking the video!)

How would you like to win a Tassimo T20 Hot Beverage System? Well, you can! Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment telling me who you'll give the T20 to this holiday (giving it to yourself is totally valid 😉
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me you became a Girlymama Facebook fan!
Extra Entry #3: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, December 17th at noon. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner.

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December 13, 2010

kid’s prize package from backyard safari outfitters giveaway

Melissa 88 Comments

**giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, #51, Jennifer!!**

Our first giveaway this week is a really cool set of toys and outdoor gear for kids from Backyard Safari Outfitters. My kids love being backyard explorers – they trompse through the woods behind our house on "Explorations" and come back with all sorts of trash treasures that they have picked up discovered. They are going to go crazy with this kit – especially when we go camping this summer!!

In this giveaway, you will get:

a Backyard Safari Cargo Vest,

Backyard Safari Binocs,

Megaview Periscope,

Bug Vacuum,

and a Backyard Safari Adventurer Kit!

Yes, ALL of that! Approximate Retail Value is $91.95. Want to win?

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing what little one in your life would love to be a Backyard Safari Adventurer!
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me you became a Girlymama Facebook fan!
Extra Entry #3: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or Tweeting about it.

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This giveaway is a part of the Holiday Extravaganza Digital Campaign. To learn about more opportunities to win these prizes with other participating bloggers, click here to head over to the Holiday Extravaganza Facebook page.

Disclosure: I received one of the product I am giving away to facilitate this post and was compensated for my time in running this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. Prizes will be sent directly from the company giving away the item. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.

December 13, 2010

playmobil 1.2.3. farm giveaway

Melissa 157 Comments

**giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, #50, Julie B!!**

Our first Holiday Extravaganza Digital giveaway is from our sponsor Playmobil. We are BIG Playmobil fans in the Girlymama household! As a mom and a former preschool teacher, I think their toys are amazing and Playmobil is one of my absolute favorite brands of toys. I love toys that encourage creative, imaginative play and do not require batteries. Such toys are so important to development!

This year, Colin will be finding the 1.2.3. Large Farm under the tree Christmas morning:

The Large Farm is perfect for ages 18 months and up! It features an adorable farmyard setting with separate living quarters and stables. My son will love offloading the bales of animal feed from the cart with the winch and placing them in the loft (his dad is an engineer, can you tell?). And one of the best parts of Playmobil? Packing up afterwards is super easy: fold up the sides of the building and everything is stowed away. Perfect!

Would you like to win the 1.2.3. Large Farm? Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing what little one in your life would love this adorable 1.2.3. Large Farm!
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me you became a Girlymama Facebook fan!
Extra Entry #3: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or Tweeting about it.

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December 13, 2010

load of giveaways. brace yourselves.

Melissa

This week, I'm saying Happy Christmas and a Merry Holiday to all of you with a whole week of amazing giveaways! Most of these giveaways are part of the Chester County Moms now famous Holiday Extravaganza which benefits Toys for Tots.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. In Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. In 2008, Marines and volunteers distributed over 16.2 million toys to 7.6 million children
from their nationwide donations. Monetary donations are also accepted via paypal and credit cards. Additionally, interested donors can donate a vehicle, donate via ebay, or donate in someone’s honor or memory, through this webpage. It is an organization that you can be proud to support! My nextdoor neighbor is a retired Marine, so we're big supporters of Toys For Tots! Last week, I had the privilege in playing a small part of an event last week that gathered almost 1,400 toys… in one evening. It was estimated to be the biggest collection in Pennsylvania!

Those girls pulled off an amazing feat in my opinion! And as one of the (several) bloggers offering a digital version of the Holiday Extravaganza, I'm pleased to share with your some fun giveaways this week!

So sit back, grab some coffee, take a break and good luck!!

As a member of the Holiday Extravaganza Digital Campaign, this post ( and the giveaways part of the campaign) have been sponsored by Playmobil.

December 7, 2010

gift idea: high plains bison

Melissa 2 Comments

Every year I go through the same dilemma. What on EARTH do I buy for my father and step-mom for Christmas? They are nearly impossible to buy for. I nearly always strike out. (The proof? My husband recently saw a pile in their basement of gifts we have given him. UNOPENED. See what I mean by impossible?)

This year I had a brainstorm. I'm going to send him bison. Over the summer, I got to try High Plains Bison and it was amazing. My husband still talks about it and I can honestly say it was one of the best steaks I've ever had. (Better even than the one I had recently at a *very* expensive, well known steakhouse.)

My father was recently diagnosed with diabeties, so he has to really monitor his diet. (Not to mention his high cholosterol.) The last time I was at his house, he was lamenting how he missed certain foods. So wouldn't it be a treat for him to have a real steak without feeling guilty?

When I learned about how nutrcious High Plains Bison is, I was blown away. Bison is naturally lean and lower in saturated fat than beef, chicken, pork, or even salmon, is low in cholesterol, low in sodium, and a great source of iron and contains a healthy dose of Omega 3 fatty acids. I had heard that bison was healthy, but I had no idea how favorably it compared to other meats!

So what a treat for him to have steak – a food he really has had to cut back on in his diet – for Christmas! High Plains Bison has some amazing deals on holiday packages right now too. I'm thinking of getting him the sirloin steaks. That is what we had and they were amazing. But maybe the tri tip roast would be more wintery. I can't decide. I bet the burgers are amazing too…

If you have hard-to-buy-for people on your list, check out High Plains Bison. They have gifts starting at $19.99 AND have free shipping. For less than the cost of a tin of stale popcorn or mixed nuts, you can send meat. (I know what I'd rather have 😉

disclosure: this is a sponsored post. as always, all opinions are my own.

December 6, 2010

christmas in the city

Melissa 2 Comments

Saturday, we took the girls into Philadelphia for the evening.

We started out at one of my favorite places, Reading Terminal Market, and we could not resist stopping for cookies warm from the oven.

Then we headed over to check out Philadelphia's Christmas Village

And caught the famous light show in the Wanamaker Building

Then came the highlight of the night: we headed over to the Arden Theatre Co for the opening night of The Borrowers. It was absolutely adorable. The Borrowers is the story of a little family who lived under the floorboards of a house. Our kids LOVED it. They were roaring with laughter, gasping with excitement and thought the whole thing was just wonderful. My favorite part? When at the end, Ellie whispering "Kiss, kiss, kiss!" to the characters during a romantic moment. Then when they kissed, she said "GROSS!" Hilarious. She can't fool me – she was so drawn into the story and rooting for the little love story to come true!
It is a fabulous, fabulous show. I've never been to the Arden Theatre before and we were so impressed. It is a gorgeous space and perfect for children just starting to experience theater! I highly recommend this show!!

And a special bonus? One of our friends was in the show! And he was terrific- our kids were so excited to see Mr. Boulware on stage!

As we were driving out of the city, our girls said, "Can we do this every Christmas?"

I think we just might. What a great tradition this would be!!

disclosure: we received tickets to this show from the arden theatre. i was not compensated for this post. as always, all opinions are my own.

November 17, 2010

Personalize your Postage with PictureItPostage!

Melissa 3 Comments

Last year I went to the Post Office to buy stamps for my Christmas cards, which were ready to go in early December. (I was so on the ball last year.) I love Christmas stamps and am known to use them well into March.
I waited in line, got up to the front and… they were OUT OF CHRISTMAS STAMPS! I had to send out my custom designed Christmas cards with Liberty Bell stamps. UGH!

It pained me. Seriously. As a graphic designer, it pained me to put such ugly postage on my gorgeous cards!

What I would have given for PictureItPostage last year! PictureItPostage allows you to turn your very own photo or logo into U.S. Postage. SO cute! This year, I used them to make stamps for the cards I'm planning to send out to my design clients for the holidays:

(screen shot of editing software. and my stamp!)

It was quite easy. I downloaded the PictureItPostage software, to get the maximum editing options (I am a designer after all) which took only a few seconds. It was very simple to use: just upload your photo or graphic and there is your image of the stamp with your photo or logo on it. Then you can zoom in, shift your photo around and tweak the photo until its just perfect. Then you just match the background color of the stamp to match your image and you're done! Even if you're not a graphic designer, you could handle this – trust me!

The cost is almost twice face value of the postage (with a discount the more you buy), but it would be so fun for holiday cards or even wedding invitations!

If you'd like to give it a try, Girlymama readers get $4 off their own order at PictureItPostage with the code MOTHERHOOD (offer ends January 31, 2011). PLUS – for every order you place with this coupon code, you'll be entered to win a $500 cash prize from PictureItPostage!! See the official rules here.)

Disclosure: This post is part of a paid campaign with PictureItPostage and The Motherhood.

October 20, 2010

lunch with friends with wendy’s new pick two menu

Melissa 8 Comments

Today the kids and I met 10 other bloggers at Wendys for lunch to try out their new Pick Two Menu. What a fun group we had!

The lovely ladies that were there included (not in any particular order) Shannon from Philly Burb Moms, Joey from Real Mom in the Media, Tara from Baby Momma Blog, Stephanie from Montgomery County Moms, Mindi from Moms Need to Know, Sarah from Genesis Moments, Julie from Just Precious, Linda from Frugal Philly Mom, and Jennifer from Philly Fun 4 Kids.

It was a great time! Us moms got to chat together while our kids ran around and ate chicken nuggets. I love meeting moms for lunch — it is so hard to get time to chat with anyone these days. Life is so crazy and we're always running around in a million directions. So meeting a friend for a quick lunch and chat is such a bright spot in an otherwise busy day!

Now, on to the food! As you've probably heard, Wendy's is offering a new Pick Two Menu for under $5. After trying to decide for about 10 minutes, I decided to go with the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and a Diet Coke. (And as good it was – I kept eyeing everyone else's lunches. Man, that Spicy Chicken Caesar looked amazing!) The Apple Pecan Chicken Salad was wonderful! I would buy an entire bottle of that Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing. YUM!

I really, really try to eat healthy. We try not to eat too much fast food in general, we maybe have it twice a month on those crazy nights when we're eating dinner in the car. (Or more if we get a hankering. Man, I love Wendy's burgers!) I really appreciate fast food places taking steps to offer healthy food to their customers! I can take my kids out for their beloved chicken nuggets and I can stick to my low carb diet with a salad and a chicken wrap or something.

Have you tried Wendy's new Pick Two menu yet? What is your favorite combination?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Wendy's and TheMotherhood. I was compensated for my time in writing this post and participating in the lunch.