SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Aldi's Review And ~~Giveaway~~


Our shoppers know better than to pay extra at stores where baggers bag groceries and employees chase carts in the parking lot. They know where to buy select brands that can help them save up to 50% over supermarket prices. They know to shop at ALDI.

Have You Shopped At ALDI? The ALDI shopping experience is unlike any other. Here are some of the reasons why we’re so different.

  • The Carts: We keep our carts in one convenient place. You put a quarter in the cart, shop and then return the cart to get your quarter back. This helps to keep prices low because we don’t spend time retrieving carts.
  • Checkout: Credit card processing fees are expensive. By only accepting cash, debit and EBT cards, it helps keep our prices low.
  • Bags: We don’t add the costs of bags to our prices. You can bring your own bags ­­- and your wallets - greener.
  • Pack Up: After paying, you can move your cart to the bagging area. There you can pack your bags exactly how you’d like.
About four years ago, Aldi's finally came to Western Mass. The first store opened in Springfield. Because it was a novelty, we just had to check it out (even though it was 45 minutes from our house!)

The first thing you notice is to get a shopping cart, you have to pay a quarter. Now who ever would have thought of that?? Me being cheap, I was mad at first, but when I realized you get it back when you return the cart, I was fine.

The next thing you notice is that nothing is name brand. No Kellogg's, no Hershey's no Poptarts. What you get instead is brands like Melville, and Fit N Active.

I used to only eat name brands until we tried some of the Aldi's products. We love their crackers, peanut butter, and their stir fry. Oh boy is the stir fry to die for!!!

I was extremely happy to have Aldi's be a sponsor for my trip. We used some of our gift certificate we were sent to get some goodies for the road. Take a look at what we got, and then guess how much we paid??


We paid a whole $12.50!!! Can you believe that!! Aldi's really helps you stretch the all mighty dollar. We now do most of our shopping there!! It was awesome when a store opened in Hadley (20 minutes away!!) So much closer!!

To cut costs and save you money, Aldi's does not give you bags for your groceries. There are boxes around, or you can bring your own bags. At first it seemed weird, but if it helps keep the costs low, I will bring my own bags. Plus it saves on plastic and trees!!

The generous folks at Aldi's want to give one of you the chance to stock up on goodies!! They have given me a $25 gift cert to give to one lucky reader!!!

Panera Bread Eat Smarts Game




I love Panera's sandwiches!!! Ben and I try to eat there at least once a month. Their Tomato & Mozzarella Panini (Fresh mozzarella, roasted & fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and all-natural sun-dried tomato pesto on Ciabatta) is my all time favorite!! Yummy!!

Right now Panera wants everyone to Eat Smart.

"Eat Smarts is an online game with multiple interactive challenges designed to help consumers make smarter decisions about the foods they eat at Panera and at home. It invites players to complete 15 different challenges on three levels. As you progress, you soon realize that, aside from the fun, you’re learning about nutrition and how to make smart food choices.

For example, in the Spin-A-Meal challenge, which visually resembles a slot machine, you pull a lever in hopes of revealing a You Pick Two® under 600 calories – roughly the amount of calories to consume per meal based on the FDA-recommended 2000 calorie diet. If you really love a certain menu item, you can lock it into place and spin the other slots"

This is a cute promotion. I have actually learned a lot about what calories are in certain foods, what are good food pairings, and there is even a calculator to tell you how many calories you should be taking in daily.

The other neat thing about the games is that once you complete them all, you are entered to win a Sandals vacation for two, and even a Rachel Ray Cookware set!!

Why not play to learn some fun food facts and then enter to win a vacation!!!

I am hooked on the Food Swap and Drop game. Instead of writing this post, for the last hour I have been playing that game!!! LOL

Head over here to sign up to play, and enter to win. Let me know if you win anything!!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this post. I was given a gift card to visit and write a review.**

Carmex Pomegranate Lip Balm Review And ~~Giveaway~~


Alfred Woelbing was a buyer at a Chicago department store back in 1937, but he didn’t much like working in the big city. So he began his own business, making silver polish in the basement of his home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. It paid the bills, for the time being.

Always curious, always inventive, Alfred then decided to create a home remedy for a pesky condition that he’d often suffered: cold sores. After much experimentation over a hot plate, Alfred created Carmex, and then proceeded to sell it to pharmacies by going door to door. If they weren’t interested in purchasing his product, he gave them a dozen jars for free—along with a post card for a re-order. He figured that if he could sell one jar at every drug store in Milwaukee and Chicago, he and his wife could make a decent living.

It wasn’t long before Alfred’s home-based business was booming. Apart from a wartime hiatus in production due to lanolin rationing, Alfred’s company—now known as Carma Labs—grew steadily. For 35 years, Alfred made sales calls in Wisconsin, Illinois and parts of Indiana. He remained president of the company until his death in May, 2001.

Now Carma Labs is managed by Alfred’s grandsons Paul Woelbing (President) and Eric Woelbing (CEO). This new generation of Woelbings has overseen several major innovations, including the introduction of new lip balm flavors; a lip balm line for women, Carmex Moisture Plus™ ultra hydrating lip balm; and a line of Carmex skin care products.

I love Carmex products. Every winter my hands dry out and become extremely painful. So far the only lotion I have found that helps is Carmex Healing Cream.

I was very happy to receive another great batch of products from Carmex. This time I received this beautiful bag and 6 different Lip Balms.

The Lip Balms came in Cherry, Lime, Original, Vanilla, Protecting and their newest Pomegranate.


Normally flavored lip balm has a funny smell to it. Carmex has a nice smell, and it goes on smooth and feels like it is working right off the bat.

With the summer heat, and many beach trips, lip balm is a must. Carmex is a great lip balm that lasts. You don't have to keep applying it every 10 minutes!!


Carmex products are sold at most stores including Target and Walmart!!!

Carmex is extremely generous and offering one of my lucky readers the same bag and lip balms I got!! You'll love it!!

New Coupons 7/31


Meals & Snacks

Save 50¢ Off FRENCH'S® Dijon Mustard

Monday, July 30, 2012

Foocot Review

  • Our goal is to design and manufacture family gear products that are extremely useful, practical, good-looking and FUN.
  • Joovy family gear products have premium features and use vibrant, high quality fabrics and materials.
  • Joovy’s ‘signature’ features are extra-large canopies on all strollers; sealed, ball bearing wheels; bold fabrics; and swing away trays, to name a few.
Until a couple of months ago, I had never heard of Joovy. When I joined together with some of my friends to form The Noise Girls, I got to see first hand some of the awesome products Joovy creates.

I was given the chance to review a product, and being that my boys are older, I picked the Foocot.

The Joovy Foocot is a kid’s dream cot! Your child will love knowing where they will nap or sleep while they are away from their own bed. Parents love the flexibility and portability of the Foocot.

Setting up the cot in new locations will give your child a secure and early sense of where they will sleep, making bedtime or naptime much easier. Parents love the ease of use and compactness of the Foocot. It is perfect for travel, day care, sleepovers, cruises, hotels, camping and playing.

The Foocot has two storage pockets perfect for storing a flashlight, toothbrush, snacks, special toy or
favorite book.

The Foocot supports a child up to 48 inches tall or 75 pounds. This very durable children’s cot is made of a sturdy steel frame with top grade 600D nylon fabric. Each Foocot includes a heavy-duty 100% cotton sheet (additional sheets sold separately). It folds ultra-small for travel convenience and comes with a travel bag made of the same 600D nylon.

For added comfort, the optional Foocot Quilted Mattress Pad is available (sold separately).





This is such a lite weight, easy to use cot. It comes in very sturdy carrying bag, and it is so easy to use. Pull it out of the bag, clip the red clip on the legs, and you are set to go.

Both of my boys had to try it out, and when we went camping a couple of weeks ago, the boys took turns at night using it!! They tested out its strength too. It is very sturdy!!




The Foocot is a life saver for us. When we go to a hotel, we get two beds. The boys have been ok so far sleeping in the same one, but I know that wont last long. Now they can each have their own bed.

If you have small children, you need a Foocot!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this post. I was given the Foocot for this review**

Wholly Quacamole Review And ~~Giveaway~~


Today, Wholly Guacamole® brand is the world’s largest user of HPP technology.Wholly Guacamole brand is America’s best selling brand of pre-made guacamole and has been for ten years running! In 2009 we added Wholly Salsa® products to our family.

Every package of guacamole and salsa we produce is made with the same attention to quality and safety that was important to Don 25 years ago. We always use real Hass avocados and natural ingredients that never include preservatives, artificial flavoring or fillers.

Who doesn't love Quacamole!!! I love working with Wholly Quacamole. They are always so generous.

For being an awesome person (and a Wholly Blogger!!) I was sent Wholly's new line of Salsa products.

We were sent-

Classic Mild, Classic Medium, Classic Hot, Avocado Verde, Guacamole & Spicy Pico, Roasted Tomato, Red Pepper Mango, and Pineapple!!

We also were also sent some quacamole, avocado and some other fun little items.



My favorite flavor was the pineapple. Yummy!!! You can really taste the pineapple in every bite.

Ben loved the Classic Hot. He can eat anything spicy!! For me it was a little too hot!! He used it on top of a burger. I did the same thing, but with the pineapple. YUM!!!

How would you like to try some of Wholly's Salsa?? I am very lucky to be able to offer one lucky reader the exact same shipment of yummy products that I got!!!

Brookstone- Summer And Back To School



It's almost that time, and stores are gearing up for their big Back To School sales!!

Brookstone invited me to visit one of their stores and hear all about their new Back To School products. For an event like this, I just had to bring Hubby. He doesn't care too much about makeup and such, when I go to those events, but all the tech gadgets at Brookstone make him drool!!!

We started our tour with a pretty neat invention. This is a Bed Fan.



What's neat about this fan, is that it blows air on your feet under your blanket. My feet get very cold at night, but my Husband is always warm. The fan has multiple settings for wind speed, and it can blow just on him!!

No trip to Brookstone is complete without at least spending a couple of minutes in the massage chairs.

I remember when there used to be one or two in the store. Check out the cool ones they have now!!





Brookstone is constantly improving their chairs. My favorite right now is their OSIM uDivine Massage Chair.



This chair does it all. If I was to get one, I don't think I would ever get out of it!!! LOL

Brookstone also had some terrific Summer necessities on sale. Check out these Loungers, Grill and Deep Fryer.



The Boogie Board is something my kids would love. This is a really neat toy. It is the adults version of an etch a sketch. With a stylus pen, you can take any notes you need, and not worry about wasting paper. The Boogie Board has an easy one push button erase feature.


Of course no Back To School shopping would be complete with out the newest, latest, fun gadget. This was our all time favorite item. The new HDMI Pocket Projector.





It is the perfect size to cart around with you. For us especially while we are camping. Now we can set up a sheet and have a great outdoor movie night!!

This little device can project up to a 60" image!!!

Brookstone has many other fun items. Something for everyone. Make them one of your stops before School starts.

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to Brookstone to learn more about their products, and I was given a thank you gift.**

Telaflora Summer Time Bouquets



At Teleflora, we're proud to have been connecting customers with the nation's best florists for more than 75 years. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Teleflora has over 18,000 member florists throughout the U.S. and Canada, with an additional 20,000 affiliated florists outside North America. This extensive network, coupled with our commitment to exceptional customer service, means that when you send flowers from Teleflora, you can be confident that you’re sending the best.

As a service organization rather than a florist, Teleflora makes it easy to select beautiful florist-delivered products by investing in the most modern technology, seeking continuous innovation and improvement in services, and providing the best people in the business to ensure your confidence that your order will be placed easily and filled by a Teleflora florist quickly and professionally to your complete satisfaction.


I am a summer baby born in July, and of course being a girl I love flowers. (I don't get them enough though!!)

There is nothing that makes me happier on my birthday then getting a nice big bouquet of flowers. I worked for the Post Office for 5 years (each year on my birthday) and my Husband never sent me flowers (tear!) This year he did surprise me with a bouquet and it is still going strong almost three weeks later.

Teleflora has extremely beautiful summer bouquets. Take a look at my favorite, the Wondrous Wishes.




Featuring a wide, wondrous assortment of blooms in one bouquet, this colorful arrangement is always a favorite! Hydrangea, roses, lilies, alstroemeria, gerberas, daisies - they're all here in stunning variety.
  • This versatile mix includes blue hydrangea, orange roses, light pink asiatic lilies, pink alstroemeria, hot pink gerberas and purple daisies with a bit of rich green salal.
  • Delivered in Teleflora's gorgeous Couture Vase.
  • Approximately 14 1/2" W x 17" H
  • This item is hand-arranged and delivered by a Teleflora florist.

Teleflora flowers are gorgeous and made with care. Teleflora guarantees your flowers will be what you expected and more!!

Why not get yourself a bouquet, or you can get me one!!!

This sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own

Pirate Brand Snacks Review

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The Pirate Brands story began in 1987 in Sea Cliff, NY with our founder, Robert. Robert, a snack industry renegade and father of two, scoured the high-seas for a tasty treasure that would inspire people to live a little healthier and have fun while doing it. That's when Robert discovered the cheesy rice and corn puffs we know today as, Pirate's Booty.

Thanks to Robert and his tasty treasure, no longer do you have to eat "cheese" puffs dusted with neon orange powder with incomprehensible ingredients. When you buy Pirate Brands products, you are getting wholesome goodness without the guilt.

We've created products for the whole family that are all natural, baked AND delicious. We've eliminated fryers and trans fats from all of our products and keep the ingredients simple (no need to Google® search today). Our only additives are just good, wholesome fun.

It's been 20 years and we’re still continuing our journey by offering fun, and deliciously baked all-natural snacks. You can find Pirate Brands products including, Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs Potato Flyers and Original Tings at a supermarket near you or at our online store!

Our consumers, family and friends are very important to us. Your loyalty has been longstanding and we thank you for being part of our journey.

We have always been lovers of cheesy puffs. The boys (including) hubby would eat them every meal. Who wouldn't?? LOL

So when Pirates Brands signed on to be a sponsor of our Driving To Florida Project, the boys were giddy.

They were even more excited when our all time favorite UPS man (My Hubby) brought home three huge boxes of Pirates Booty Baked Rice and Corn Puffs!!

The boys were in hog heaven!!!


Each bag above holds 12 snack bags!! These bags are perfect for snacks and school lunches!!

They are delicious. Light and airy, so you don't feel like you are weighing yourself down, and filling up with bad for you food.

We ate a lot of the puffs while on the trip, and gave out quite a few!!! Everyone loves them!!!

We even snacked on the beach!!



If you are looking for a tasty snack for your kids, give Pirates Booty a try!!


**All opinions expressed are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this post. I was sent the above items for my trip.**


Brazilian Peel Giveaway (3 Winners)




The Sublime Media Connection has been putting Brazilian Peel to the test. You can find several of the reviews here.




About Brazilian Peel:

Brazilian Peel was awarded the Allure 2010 Best of Beauty, Best Beauty Breakthrough Award. It has been featured on Dr. Oz (twice) and The Doctors (once).

Brazilian Peel is the first 30% glycolic acid, medical strength peel for at-home use. 5x stronger than other retail products, this unique new Brazilian style peel is clinically proven to visibly brighten, smooth, firm and tone skin for a more youthful appearance. All the benefits of a professional peel in an easy do-it-yourself treatment. The Brazilian Peel contains glycolic acid and açai, a natural super anti-oxidant from the Amazon rain forest in Brazil.

It is 'red carpet ready", it will not cause redness or peeling and is dermatologist tested to be safe and non-irritating.

Research Results: - 100% of the evaluable subjects had improvements in skin brightness in at least one area of the face, as graded by the investigating dermatologist - At least 70% of the subjects found their skin to be softer and smoother - At least 70% of the subjects had increased facial brightness - At least 70% of the subjects found their skin to feel firmer and more toned.

Brazilian Peel is formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan.

3 very lucky readers are going to win a month supply of Brazilian Peel, valued at $78.
This giveaway begins on July 30 and ends on 8/30.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



12 Hour Flash ~Giveaway~ $30 Amazon Gift Card


$30 Amazon Gift Card 12-Hour FLASH Giveaway!!!






A
few AWESOME Bloggers have teamed up to give you this
wonderful $30 Amazon Gift Card! We believe in quick, small, and
easy giveaways! Our giveaways only have a FEW entries to
fill out and you will know if you WIN in just a couple of
hours! WHAT FUN! Good luck on this 12-hour flash giveaway! See you
back on Wednesday for other great FLASH giveaway! It will be a 24-hour FLASH and starting at MIDNIGHT EST on Tuesday, so be on the lookout for that one!!!


Here
are our WONDERFUL participating sites for this 12-Hour FLASH Giveaway!! Check out these awesome sites
when you have time!



* NOTE: You can choose PayPal instead of Amazon if you are the WINNER!!!



















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