Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Chex Mix 24 Hour Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Chex Mix 24 Hour Giveaway is (297 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

74	

Timestamp: 2011-09-01 02:28:19 UTC

traci smith 74 said...

i like chex mix on facebook, traci smith , #2
tracisme at gmail dot com

Congratulations! I have sent you an email and you have 24 hours to contact me.

Save Money This Semester with CampusBookRentals.com

CampusBookRentals.com LogoWe all know that college isn't cheap. From the classes to the living expenses and the books to the supplies, college can be a major financial undertaking. However, there is one company out there trying to make college a little more affordable for everyone.


CampusBookRentals.com provides an alternative to purchasing those expensive text books that every class requires. By renting textbooks from CampusBookRentals.com, you are not only saving money, but you are also getting rid of those books that can become worthless by the end of the semester. Plus, CampusBookRentals.com provides live customer support, a 30 day risk free guarantee, free shipping both ways and flexible rental periods.

With C starting his third semester this fall, the bills are already starting to add up. And just imagine my surprise when he came home the other day and told me that this semesters books were going to be over $300 dollars at the bookstore (I know that's relatively cheap, but $300 is a lot of money!). So, when I found out about the awesomeness that is CampusBookRentals.com, I looked up his books on their website and guess how much it will cost to rent them for the semester? $140! Umm, that is saving us $160!!

Operation Smile LogoNot only does CampusBookRentals.com help you save money on books, but they also support a really great cause. Their Making a Difference Program, which supports the children of Operation Smile (an out of this world, awesome organization, that performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it), is committed to donating enough to cover a minimum of 1,000 life changing surgeries! So, for every book rented, CampusBookRentals.com will donate a portion of those proceeds to Operation Smile with their sights set on meeting and exceeding their goal of 1,000 lives changed!

On top of everything else, CampusBookRentals.com also has a ton of other perks! By following them on twitter, you can get in on secret coupons, free shirts, random giveaways and even textbook scholarships! Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook where you can be a part of discussions, enter to win a backpack and refer friends!

This post is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the company listed above. I was provided a coupon code free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Review + 24 Hour Giveaway!

Chex Mix LogoAs you may have gathered from my last post, things have been super busy around here. And with a limited amount of time to myself these days, snacking on yummy treats has become a way for me to "get away" and relax for just a moment. One of my new favorite treats to have on hand? Chex Mix Muddy Buddies!

Many of you may know these scrumptious treats as Puppy Chow or Monkey Munch, but the best part about Chex Mix Muddy Buddies is that the work is already done for you! Simply open the bag and these mouth-watering treats are ready to enjoy!
Chex Mix Muddy BuddiesThe unique combination of Corn Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate and a coating of powdery sweet goodness, make this tasty snack melt-in-your-mouth and cure any sweet craving that you may have. Plus, with 50% less fat than regular potato chips, you can enjoy these treats without the guilt!

Previously, Chex Mix Muddy Buddies were only available as a limited edition treat that usually centered around holidays. But luckily for us, they are now available year-round! Whether you choose to enjoy these confections by yourself or share them with your loved ones, (However, they tend to disappear fast when shared!) Chex Mix Muddy Buddies are sure to put a smile on everyone's face!

Giveaway Giveaway
Chex Mix Prize Pack
One lucky reader will win a Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Prize Pack that includes a bag of Chex Mix Muddy Buddies, an airtight sealed container, a snacking bowl and a magnetic clip!

*This giveaway is now closed.*
To Enter: Visit the Chex Mix website and leave a comment stating which other Chex Mix snack you would like to try. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

This giveaway is a 24 Hour Giveaway so the rules are a little different!

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet (
You can tweet as many times as you'd like during this giveaway!) about this giveaway using the text below.
24 Hour Giveaway! Win a Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Prize Pack @PieceOfMeBlog! Hurry, giveaway ends 8/31 at 12:30pm ET http://bit.ly/qX7lHv
5. Follow Chex Mix on Twitter.
6
. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" Chex Mix on Facebook.
7. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 31st at 12:30pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway open to US residents.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. I was provided the Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Prize Pack (provided by Chex Mix through MyBlogSpark) free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Contours Optima Tandem Stroller from Kolcraft (Review)

Kolcraft LogoGetting out and about with two little ones can be stressful, especially when a lot of walking is involved. Thankfully, though, double strollers were invented to give us parents an option of not having to push two strollers around and carry multiple bags when we venture out of the house. Recently, I was given an inside look at one of these wonderful creations when Kolcraft sent me the new Contours Optima Tandem Stroller to review.
Kolcraft OptimaThe new Contours Optima Tandem Stroller offers all the functionality and style that previous Contours tandem models offered, but with a lighter frame. Coming in at 36.8 lbs this lightweight aluminum frame stroller is sturdy enough to hold two children (up to 40 lbs per seat) and tons of baggage (thanks to the spacious storage area), but still be easy for mom and dad to maneuver in tighter spaces. Plus, the fact that can be folded up with both seats still in place, is a terrific feature.
Photobucket
With six different seating options (children facing each other, both facing parent, face forward, back to back, front seat only and use with an infant seat), the Contours Optima offers extreme flexibility for families, especially those with a toddler and infant. Aside from the seating options, this stroller features four cup holders (two for parents and two for children), a storage tray for parents and an extra-large underneath basket that will hold everything from diaper bags to shopping bags.

When I learned that I was receiving a Contours Optima Tandem Stroller from Kolcraft I was really excited, but also a bit apprehensive. Why? Well, because I have heard that not all double strollers are created equal and some parents love them and some hate them, so I didn't really know what to expect. However, I welcomed it with an open-mind and was excited to see what this tandem stroller was all about!

Assembling the Contours Optima Tandem Stroller was an easy process that my husband completed in just a few minutes. All the pieces snapped right in place with a secure-sounding "click" and the stroller was ready to roll in no time.
Photobucket
The first thing that I explored when the stroller was together was the different seating options. The seats easily remove from the frame by pressing the two red buttons on either side and their direction can be switched with ease. To recline the seat, simply pull on the red adjustment bar located at the top of the seat to set it in one of the three positions. For footrest adjustment, push in the side buttons to achieve the desired level.
Photobucket
I think that one of the things I love most about the Contours Optima Tandem Stroller from Kolcraft is the fact that it can be used with an infant seat. Plus, the fact that it comes with an infant seat attachment is a huge bonus! The attachment snaps into place like the seats do and features a restraint strap that either attaches through belt slots or on the lowest center point on the infant seat. When using this with Princess P's old Graco carseat, I was worried that it wasn't going to be secure enough, but when tightened down, the seat only moves back and forth a slight amount.
Photobucket
For me, folding and unfolding the Contours Optima was the hardest part to learn. To fold, you have the option of not removing any seats or removing one or both for the most compact fold. When I went to fold it up, I removed one seat and left one in place. However, at first, I had trouble pushing down on the basket to fold it up. It simply would not budge! After C saw me struggling for a moment, he came over and folded it up without a problem! He, then, showed me the proper way of doing it and I haven't had any problems since.

Getting used to the Contours Optima Tandem Stroller is something that is going to take some time for me. Now, it is not nearly as bulky as I thought it was going to be and that is wonderful. But, judging just how long it is will take me using it several times in a row. I envision myself running the stroller into many things before I learn. Also, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was to maneuver. The wheels make steering a breeze and I am so grateful for that! In fact, this tandem stroller steers better than a high-dollar single stroller we currently own!
Kolcraft OptimaThe Contours Optima Tandem Stroller from Kolcraft features an array of seating options, lots of storage and wonderful maneuverability. In my book, this is a terrific option for parents with more than one child! I can't wait until we add an addition to our family so we can really put this stroller to the test!

Buy It: For Contours Optima Tandem Stroller purchasing options, visit kolcraft.com

A big thank you to Kolcraft for this review opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. I was provided the stroller free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Monday, August 15, 2011

OKA b. Winner

The winner of the OKA b. Giveaway is (393 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

371	

Timestamp: 2011-08-15 16:21:22 UTC

Ambabya 371 said...

GFC follower Amy_M

amybabya79 at yahoo.com

Congratulations! I have sent you an email and you have 48 hours to contact me.

Catching Up

Life has been nothing short of chaotic these last few weeks. I mean, this is the first time I have had the chance to sit down at my computer (for more than thirty seconds) since the twenty-something of July. And truthfully, you can barley see the screen for the mountains of mail, paperwork and random items that have no business even being here.

Between working the three different jobs I have seemed to acquire overnight, trying to still be a mother and wife, and semi-keeping on top of the laundry and dishes, I haven't had much time to sleep, let alone write a blog post. And for that, I really am sorry. I know that I have lost some blog readers (and I may have even upset some sponsors), but when everyday life gets in the way, there isn't much a girl can do.

Fortunately, I have a couple of days off to try and get everything back in order and caught up. So, I hope everyone will stick around for the new and exciting content that is headed your way (and hopefully it will be in a timely manner!).

However, to all of those women that work full-time jobs, raise kids and keep house, my hat is off to you! I just don't know how you do it and keep your sanity in the process!