Blog Giveaway: Win an iPad from iPad Accessories Online Store

I read a great ipad accessories review at iPadAccessoriesOnlineStore.com

Blog Giveaway: Win an EX “Quit Pack” from Southern Girl Reviews

The Blog Southern Girl Reviews is hosting a giveaway for an EX “Quit Pack” from BecomeAnEX.org. Contest ends August 5 at 10 pm CST. Head on over to Southern Girl Reviews to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Nature Made SAM-e Complete from Southern Girl Reviews

The Blog Southern Girl Reviews is hosting a giveaway for a 3-month supply of Nature Made SAM-e Complete. Contest ends August 5 at 10 pm CST. Head on over to Southern Girl Reviews to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Win a General Mills/Penguins of Madagascar Prize Pack at Southern Girl Reviews!

The Blog Southern Girl Reviews is hosting a giveaway for General Mills/Penguins of Madagascar Prize Pack. Giveaway ends 7/31/10. Head on over to Southern Girl Reviews to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Networking Witches is giving away a bottle of Jenulence Flower Essence Facial Cleanser

The Blog Networking Witches is hosting a giveaway for a bottle of Jenulence Flower Essence Facial Cleanser. Giveaway ends 7/31/10. Head on over to Networking Witches to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Networking Witches is giving away The New 10 by Dawn McIntyre

The Blog Networking Witches is hosting a giveaway for The New 10 by Dawn McIntyre. Giveaway ends 7/31/10. Head on over to Networking Witches to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Giveaway Scout

I just found a new place to find and list giveaways - Giveaway Scout - All blog giveaways, contests and sweepstakes in one place.  It's a giveaway search engine that scans thousands of blogs daily and automatically post them to their site and email their subscribers.  They also have a widget displaying the latest giveaways.

Blog Giveaway: Justice in June by Barbara Levenson from Lori's Reading Corner and Crazy-For-Books

The Blogs Crazy-For-Books and Lori's Reading Corner are both hosting a giveaways for Justice in June by Barbara Levenson. Giveaway ends 7/28 11:59pm EST. For double the chances to win head on over to Crazy-For-Books and Lori's Reading Corner to enter.      5 entries available per blog.

Book Review: Same Kind of Different as Me

Same Kind of Different as Me:

A Modern-Day Slave, an Internationl Art Dealer and the Woman who brought them together

By Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

Same Kind of Different as Me is the inspirational true story of how 2 men, Denver, a former modern-day slave and hobo, and Ron, and international art dealer, forge an unlikely friendship. Brought together by Ron's wife, you see how one woman changed both of their lives forever.

I'll admit when I received the book I was interested in it only because it is set in Louisiana and Northeast Texas.  (I'm from Louisiana and just returned from a visit there.)  I did not expect to enjoy it as thoroughly as I did and I definately did not expect to be as moved by it as I was.  Reading about Denver and Ron overcoming their prejudices I was forced to face my own.  I was also encouraged by their ability to perservere through life's many challenges.

This is a book of prejudice and injustice, hope and faith and perseverance through adversity.  I have been recommending this book to anyone who will listen.  No matter your walk of life you will take something away from this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blog Giveaway: Breeze Comfort Bra from The Cartoon Lovin’ Momma Ends 7/27

The Blog The Cartoon Lovin’ Momma is hosting a giveaway for Breeze Comfort Bra. Giveaway ends 7/27. Head on over to The Cartoon Lovin’ Momma to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Fabulous Freebies and Super Savings - 7/25

Free Oxy Skincare Sample - Click here

Get a free pedometer from Nature’s Bounty - Click here

4 FREE KidzBop songs from Macy's - Click here

Free sample of Sinus Buster® Click Here

Free Philosopy® new purity one-step facial cleansing cloths Click Here

Free NeilMed® Neti Pot Click Here

Join IHOP® Pancake Revolution and get a free IHOP® meal just for signing up Click Here

Cheap is good…but FREE is better! Join FreeFly’s and get FREE samples of name-brand products! Click Here

Free Baby offers and samples from PlanningFamily.com Click Here

Blog Giveaway: Pocket Disc from Familylicious Reviews! Ends 7/25

The Blog Familylicious Reviews is hosting a giveaway for a Pocket Disc . Giveaway ends 7/25. Head on over to Familylicious Reviews to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Lucky Puppy kids shirt or onsie from Familylicious Reviews!

The Blog Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways is hosting a giveaway for Lucky Puppy kids shirt or onsie. Giveaway ends 7/25. Head on over to Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Pulse Yoga DVD series from Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways Ends 7/25

The Blog Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways is hosting a giveaway for Pulse Yoga DVD series. Giveaway ends 7/25. Head on over to Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Yoga by the Dozen Starter Set from Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways Ends 7/25

The Blog Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways is hosting a giveaway for a Yoga by the Dozen Starter Set. Giveaway ends 7/25. Head on over to Familylicious Reviews & Giveaways to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Pampers Village: Connect with real parents like you! With Code List

On Pampers Village, you can share tips, support, and experiences with real parents like you. You’ll discover more about parenthood through articles, videos, and online tools, and receive offers, samples, and coupons!

View >>

Current Codes:

WELCOME2PAMPERS new 50 pt code

15GTGSUMMERFUN
25GTGSUMMER2010
GTGSUMMERFUN5PT
GTGLEARNMORE089
GTGSPRINGFREE10
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG
GTGTENMONTHCODE

Blog Giveaway: What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life by Kim Johnson Gross from Thrifty Jinxy – 3 winners

The Blog Thrifty Jinxy is hosting a giveaway for What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life by Kim Johnson Gross. Giveaway ends 11:59 PM CST 7/23/10. Head on over to Thrifty Jinxy to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Thanks, Mail Carrier is Giving Away one Posh Mommy Engravable Square Necklace from Jewelry Ninja

The Blog Thanks, Mail Carrier is hosting a giveaway for a Posh Mommy Engravable Square Necklace from Jewelry Ninja. Giveaway will end on July 22nd at 11:59pm CST.  Head on over to Thanks, Mail Carrier to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Fabulous Freebies and Super Savings - 7/18

 Had a minute while waiting to go to breakfast.  Here's some deals I found this morning:

Free Dippin' Dots Travel Mug - Simply sign-up for their 40 below club and receive a free travel mug

FREE stuff for any Mother or Father-to-be!  Click Here

Get free grocery coupons, online discounts, and more Click Here

Dollar General Savings Zone - Get member only perks, specials, and more! Click Here

Cheap is good…but FREE is better! Join FreeFly’s and get FREE samples of name-brand products! Click Here

Get a FREE Child Safety ID Kit from Gerber Life Click Here

MySavings Media - Promote brand name coupons and free product samples on your web site or blog. Click Here

Pampers Village: Connect with real parents like you!

On Pampers Village, you can share tips, support, and experiences with real parents like you. You’ll discover more about parenthood through articles, videos, and online tools, and receive offers, samples, and coupons!

View >>

Free Pampers Good to Grow 10 points each:
GTGTENMONTHCODE
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG
WELCOME2GTG2010
welcome2village
GTGPLAY3USA2010 (30 points)
GTGLEARNMORE089
GTGSUMMERFUN5PT (5 pts)
GTGSPRINGFREE10
FACEBOOKJUL2010

On Vacation, Sort of....

I am sorry there have been no posts this week, there may not be until Wednesday.  I'm on "vacation" in Louisiana.  We're down visiting my grandparents who have been in and out of the hospital the past few months and helping them out with things they need done while we're here.  I have very limited internet access.  I'm really enjoying the visit but I'm really concerned about my grandpa, he had to go back in the hospital yesterday.  We're hoping he'll be well enough to come home today.  So if I don't get back online until Wednesday it's because I'm busy dealing with my family

Sunday Savings

Save 80% on Restaurant.com certificates with code FUN
Click here to pay only $2 for a $25 certificate Expires Mon. 7/12 at midnight

RedPlum - Many new and exclusive coupons


$4 AMC Movie Tickets in Select Cities

Free 7.11oz Slurpees at participating 7/11 stores nationwide.

Free Mp3 Downloads from Amazon.com  

Walk Tall (feat. Paul Simon) 
Gigantic Music Sampler 
I Love the 80s, Vol. 1 (1880s) 
Alive Records 2009 Sampler 

Pampers.com - 10 free points GTGFIVEMONTHS10

Blog Giveaway: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Prize Pack from Simply Being Mommy

The Blog Simply Being Mommy is hosting a giveaway for a A Sorcerer’s Apprentice Prize Pack. Giveaway ends July 16. Head on over to Simply Being Mommy  to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Blog Giveaway: Summer Bridge Activities Book from Simply Being Mommy ends 7/14

The Blog Simply Being Mommy is hosting a giveaway for a Summer Bridge Activities Book. Giveaway ends July 14. Head on over to Simply Being Mommy  to enter. Multiple extra entries available.

Quick and Easy Turkey Bacon Quesadilla with Salsa Ranch

This is one of our favorite snacks

Turkey Bacon Quesadilla

2 Soft Taco Size Tortillas

2-4 Slices of Turkey

2 Strips of Pre-Cooked Bacon or a Handful of Bacon Bits

Shredded Mexican 4-Cheese Blend

Place one tortilla on a microwave-safe plate.  Cover with a thin layer of cheese.  Layer turkey, bacon, then another layer of cheese.  Top with remaining tortilla.  Microwave for 1 minute.  Flip quesadilla.  Continue to microwave for 30 sec. – 1 min. until cheese is melted.  Do not over cook.  Cut into wedges and serve with Salsa Ranch

Salsa Ranch

In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons salsa with 3-4 tablespoons ranch dressing to taste.  Mix thoroughly.  Serve chilled.

Fabulous Freebies and Super Savings - 7/05

Three new Blockbuster Express codes for FREE movie rentals - (Thanks A Penny Saved and Savvy Spending!)

SSD17A2
SSD17A3
SSD17A4

Get your kid's (or your) face in space - NASA wants to put a picture of you on one of the two remaining space shuttle missions and launch it into orbit. To launch your face into space and become a part of history: https://faceinspace.nasa.gov/index.aspx


Chuck E. Cheese's Free Tickets - Play this game and get free tickets: Chuck E Cheese Ticket Blaster


Daily All You freebie

Keep the Kids Reading! Great Summer Reading Reward Programs

 Now that school's out for the summer I want to keep my kids in the habit of reading every day.  I'm all about free and great deals, so I got on Google and discovered several great summer reading reward programs:

•  Barnes & Nobles:  Kids can choose a free book from a list for reading 8 books.  Go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp and print out their Passport to Summer Reading.

• Half-Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program
  Kids age 14 and under can earn a $3 Half Price Books Shopping Card for each week they read at least 15 minutes per day. Deadline July 31.

• Borders 2010 Summer Reading Double-Dog Dare - Kids 12 or under read any 10 books and get a free book (choose your free book from their selection of 10 books). The form must be completed and turned in at any Borders, Borders Express or Waldenbooks store. Deadline August 26, 2010.

• Chuck E. Cheese's Reading Rewards Calendar - Kids read every day for 2 weeks and receive 10 free tokens at a Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant. Offer expires 12/31/2010 

• HEBuddy Reading Club Children read 10 books and earn a free t-shirt and points sticker. Locations in Texas.

Site Review: Chunky Bling

Yesterday morning while blog hopping I came across a giveaway for a ChunkyBling.com beaded watch.  The pictures or the bead watches that the blogger had posted were absolutely gorgeous so I just had to check it out.  I headed over to the site and discovered they had a variety of beaded jewelry including bead bracelets and interchangeable charm necklaces.  My favorite is the Wild Thing Bracelet Pair, but I love almost anything purple.  What's really cool about their jewelry is they use one-of-a-kind, custom-made, ceramic beads that are hand-crafted and kiln-fired so you are guaranteed to get a truly unique piece of jewelry.  Another thing I like about ChunkyBling.com is their weekly Name That Bling contest it's a fun way to try and win a piece of bling.  So head on over to ChunkyBling.com and don't forget to check out their Freebies and Contests page for a chance to win some free bling!

Disclosure: I will receive a free ring for this post as part of their Blog for Bling program.  But all opinions are 100% my own and my true opinion.

Happy Belated 4th Everybody!

I hope everybody had a great 4th of July.  Ours was really good.  My brother cam over this afternoon and we went swimming.  I took a notebook and some magazines out so I could read or write while the boys swam but I ended up not even touching them.  I was too amused watching them play.  Jordan, my 4 year old, kept getting in and out of the water.  He'd climb half way in, kick his legs for a bit, climb out, go down to the steps and dunk his head, then climb out again.  They were all playing with a ball, a noodle and a foam knee pad that Roger, my husband, had thrown in for Jordan to use as a kick board.  They were playing some game that seemed to be a cross between keep away and dodge ball.  At one point Jordan whacked my brother across the back with a noodle, his strength always amazes me. 

At 8:30 pm we headed over to my in-law's to shoot fireworks.  It was really awesome.  We had a nice variety including small mortars, fountains, sparklers, Roman candles and a few others.  My mother-in-law lives near the  top of one of the highest hills in the area so we were able to see fireworks from all over all 4 cities.  It was truly amazing.  We had never seen so many fireworks, it was as if every other house were shooting them off, the big ones too.  It was honestly difficult to tell the difference between the amateurs and the pros.  Jordan was scared at first but soon his fear was replaced by wonder.  He did not want to come in when we got home because he could still hear them going off.  Jarrod and Julian had a lot of fun too.  Julian was throwing those snap pop things.  He pour a bunch on the ground and Jarrod stomped all over them.  It looked really cool cause his shoes were lighting up with the popping.

After coming home, it didn't take long for the boys to pass out.  They had had an eventful day.  Jarrod said it was the best 4th ever.  It felt good to unplug for a day.  Refresh and just enjoy having time with the whole family.  It seems far too often we're all going in different directions.

$1 Flip Flops at Old Navy - Sat. July 3 ONLY

Sat. July 3 ONLY $1 flip flops at Old Navy.  You must print the coupon from their Facebook page and take it into the store.  In person only. Limit 5 per person.  Wish I had know about this, I just bought us all flip flops at Old Navy today.  I may go back tomorrow and pick us all up a second pair. These are excellent flip flops for the price.  We love ours.  They do need to be broken in, but it only takes wearing them a time or two.- print coupon here

WINNER!!! Great Giveaway: $40 Gift Card from CSN end 7/15

 Congrats The Sunshyn!  Comment number 113.

CSN Stores has generously offered one Hot Mom Tips reader a $40 gift card that is redeemable on any of their over 200 websites.  At CSN stores you'll find just about anything, from lights to luggage, office to outdoor, home improvement to health and fitness.  Whatever it is you are looking for you'll likely find it on one of CSN Stores many website.

Before agreeing to hold this giveaway, I headed over to CSN to see just what they had to offer.  I wanted to ensure that they had quality, affordable items as well as variety.  I'll admit I was both surprised and impressed. 

One of the things I need is a pair of lamps for my bedroom.  So I headed over to CSN's lights website.  The first lamp I found was their New Orleans Saints lamp, we are huge Saints fans.  Being from Louisiana I have been part of the "Who Dat Nation" for as long as I can remember.  I really love this lamp but it doesn't really go with my bedroom decor.  Our bedroom is decked out in black light posters with purple bedding.


So I decided to narrow down my search.  They have some really great search options making it even easier to find just what you're looking for.  I narrowed my search down to 3-way lamps under 18 in.  I also checked all but traditional lamps as I really prefer funky or different looks.  I could have narrowed further by color, style, brand and more but I figured this was a good place to start.  That's when I found One Light Metal Table Lamp with Orange and Plum Colored Shade.

I also liked the Lite Source Vortex One Light Table Lamp in Steel. To be honest they have so many great things I'm kind of glad I'm not the one who has to pick something.

WIN IT: CSN Stores has been good enough to offer one Hot Mom Tips reader one $40 gift card usable on any of their over 200 websites.

To ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Make sure to leave your email in your comment or make it visible in your profile.  If I can’t reach you, you will be disqualified and I will have to draw another winner:

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to CSN Stores and tell me something you might use your gift card on if you won.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• “Like” CSN on Facebook – 1 extra entry
• Follow CSN on Twitter – 1 extra entry
• Subscribe to CSN email updates (bottom right) – 1 extra entry
• Follow Hot Mom Tips on Google Friend Connect (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
• “Like” Hot Mom Tips on Facebook (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
• Follow Hot Mom Tips on Networked Blogs (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
• Follow Hot Mom Tips on Twitter  – 1 extra entry
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave link to tweet. (click on time under tweet)  – 1 extra entry (can be done daily)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to post – 5 extra entries (must include link to sponsor and giveaway)
• Grab my button and add it to your blog. Leave a link to your blog – 3 extra entries
• Share giveaway on Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, etc.  Leave link and/or username – 1 extra entry each (must be verifiable)
• Add Hot Mom Tips to your blog roll, leave link to your blog – 2 extra entries
• Enter any other giveaway on Hot Mom Tips and leave comment that you did so. – 1 extra entry each
• Leave a link to your giveaway - 1 extra entry each (limit 5) 
• Enter Zoodles Premium Membership Giveaway - 5 extra entries