Tag Archives: giveaway

by | October 13, 2012

Non-traditional holiday cards: What do you send?

My day job is in retails, so there is a lot of talk about holiday greetings this time of year. What exactly do we say to customers when they shop in our stores? The answer differs from company to company, but it is something I think about in my personal life, too.

Because we have friends and family that celebrate so many different holidays, we always send out very holiday-neutral cards in December. Each year, I browse the holiday selection at Shutterfly and I find more Holiday Cards than I could possibly imagine. Last year, I chose an autumn design and added photos of our boy playing in piles of leaves. But this year, I’m not sure. From religious, scripture-based cards to ones that just say “Happy EVERYTHING!”, Shutterfly has something for every card-sender’s style. Traditional, modern, funky – you name it, they’ve got it, and they add new ones each year.

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by | September 22, 2012

Fall into Green Giveaway: #Win an Endurance XL Compost Pail! #FallGreen

Welcome to the Fall into Green giveaway hop!

This event is hosted by Happy Mothering and Happy Green Mama through the Green Moms Network. Each participating blog is hosting an eco-friendly giveaway worth a minimum of $25. You can find the list of participating blogs at the bottom of this post.
 I’m doing things a little differently for this event, and I’m pretty excited about it!

I thought about what kind of great “green” prize I would like to win, and one thing in particular came to mind. It’s a permanent part of our kitchen that we use every day…

Up for grabs:

The Endurance Extra Large Stainless Steel Compost Pail!

This is a serious compost pail. I’ve had it on my counter for nearly a year now, and we use it SO much. With a 1.5 gallon capacity, it’s big enough to keep up with the most veggie-rific families, and it has 2 charcoal filters in the lid to ensure an odor-free kitchen. AND, it’s dishwasher-safe!

Our compost pail sits right next to our sink, and always looks shiny and new.

In my opinion, you won’t find a better composter, or a better online retailer than EcoMom, where you can pick up this beauty for $48.69. If you don’t already know EcoMom, head over there quickfastinahurry and check out their unbeatable selection of eco-friendly and organic products, from baby food and gear to household products and health and beauty care for the whole family. I don’t know what I’d do without them!

While you’re there, don’t miss the EcoMom blog. The folks over there are always working hard to further their mission of providing safer product choices, but it doesn’t stop there. Programs like their baby bottle and sippy cup trade-in program are truly inspirational!

Enter to win your own Endurance Compost Pail using the easy Rafflecopter form below, then visit the other blogs on the linky (also below.) Thanks for hopping by, and good luck! :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey, wait! Before you leave….

We also have a fabulous Grand Prize for this giveaway hop, sponsored by Maggie Bags. Two lucky winners will each receive The Tote of Many Colors in The Fall of Leaves or Camo – Maggie Bags’ most eco-friendly bag! Made of super durable recycled seat belt webbing, this roomy tote will hold everything you need and want, even that extra pair of shoes! You can also get 25% off at Maggie Bags with code FallGreen good now through November 10 on their Premier Line!

Click here to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway.

 

Please note: I did not receive any compensation from EcoMom or any other company for this post or giveaway. This one is from me, to you…just for being an ABCGP reader!

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by | September 5, 2012

Golden Records – The Magic Continues: Celebrity Series, Vol. 1 {Giveaway}

I really think there is a time and a place for TV. It helps my little one wind down after an overwhelming day of running around outside, and he does learn a lot from the shows we allow. BUT, I also like to make sure he gets plenty of art, music and imaginative play in his everyday life, too.

That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to check out the new CD from Golden Records, The Magic Continues: Celebrity Series, Vol. 1. This CD is so much fun not only because it’s timeless and filled with classic kids’ songs and stories that are fun for any generation, but the performances are all voiced by top-notch talent like Ed Asner, Susan Sarandon, Alicia Silverstone, Busy Philipps, Cheryl Hines, Didi Conn, Contance Marie and more!

With this CD, you and your kids can enjoy classic favorites like Rapunzel, Puss in Boots, The Little Engine that Could, Pop Goes the Weasel, and one of our personal favorites, The Muffin Man! :)

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the fun…

My favorite part of this whole concept is the history behind the stories told by Golden Records.

Imagined by Grammy Award-winning music producer Arthur Shimkin in 1948, Golden Records was one of the first and ultimately most successful children’s record labels in America. For decades, they were dedicated to providing timeless entertainment and education for children, and now the legacy is being carried on my Tony Shimkin, the late Arthur Shimkin’s son. Recapturing the values, quality and timeless innocence of Golden Records, theis highly anticipated album is the perfect blend of then and now, launching a series of instant classics. ~paraphrased from Golden Records.

Listening to these stories with my little boy reminds me of my own childhood, when I would spend hours alone in my room, listening to stories on my record player (often Edgar Allan Poe!) and letting my imagination run wild. I think I may have to invest in a CD player for my son’s room so he can build wonderful memories like that, too!

Buy it!

Purchase your own copy of The Magic Continues: Celebrity Series, Vol. 1 on Amazon for only $9.99. Or, find it on iTunes here.

And don’t forget to like Golden Records on Facebook (rumor has it you might find a free download there! ;) )

Win it!

One lucky reader will a CD of their own! Enter using the easy Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
*Disclosure: This is a Type A post. I received a product sample from Golden Records, but was under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions stated are my own, honest thoughts based on experience with the product.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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by | July 3, 2012

Build a Dream Playhouse Giveaway!

Cosmic Cruiser: This is mission control. All systems GO! 3…2…1… BLASTOFF!! Soar to new heights with Build a Dream Playhouse’s™ Cosmic Cruiser™. Orbit the moon, fight off space invaders, or simply fly around your neighborhood. One small step for kids. One giant leap for their imaginations! Cost: $29.95 Continue reading →

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by | May 22, 2012

Sunny day! It’s a Sesame Place family vacation!

Not too long ago, I told you all how I was hoping to plan a family vacation soon. It’s been one looong year, and some time away as a family is sorely needed. Like, NOW.

The only hitch? My husband is heading back to school next month and our budget is tight. Big, expensive vacations are out until next year.

Luckily, I live in the best state in the entire US – Pennsylvania! (Ok, so maybe you like your state, too. I get it. But PA is pretty incredible.) Within a short trip, we have big destinations like New York City and Baltimore, which means easy access to theater, sports, art, food…anything you could want. And within our state, we have even more great cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, each chock full of things to explore.

But there is ONE attraction above all that has us SO STOKED right now, and we’ll be heading there in a matter of days…

It’s SESAME PLACE!

Sesame Street comes to life at Sesame Place through whirling rides, water slides, exciting shows, and endless giggles. Dance and sing-a-long with everyone’s favorite furry friends in the amazing parade, Neighborhood Street Party. Learn about letters, numbers & friendship in 3 street-stopping performances that include 11 larger-than-life floats and a night parade that lights up the sky. Join the fun and celebrate being a kid – or being a kid again! www.sesameplace.com

I grew up with the Sesame Street characters (pre-Elmo, of course) and now my son is, too. He has loved Elmo since before he was a year old, and now he knows every one of his friends by name. I try to watch closely and limit what he sees on TV, but Sesame Street is one of the few things I can let him watch without a second thought. The lessons taught on the show go way beyond numbers and letters. He learns about diversity, friendship, acceptance, and so much more.

And now he’ll get to see it all, up close and personal, during our family vacation to Sesame Place!

…and we get the added bonus of knowing that our dollars are staying right here in good ol’ PA. :) I can’t wait to tell you all about it when we get back! (And if he loves it as much as I suspect he will, we just might spring for season passes next year!)

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We’re headed to where the air is sweet! Interested in sweeping the clouds away with us? Use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter for your chance to win a FAMILY 4-PACK OF TICKETS TO SESAME PLACE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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