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This blog is now closed-- Head over to my new blog at Mama Must Have It for great reviews and giveaways from the brands you love!

Thank you, Maryann

Wednesday, June 30

ProFlowers Sponsored Post

I like flowers-- really, what girl doesn't? I like to display them around the house. It brings the outdoors in, and I love that! My husband knows this and loves to surprise me with flowers every once in a while. Not a weekly occurrence, but a nice surprise.

My husband talks about Pro Flowers like they are family. He knows all the specials and sales, he loves their customer service, the blooms he orders are BEAUTIFUL AND FRESH. He loves knowing that he is paying for quality above all else. ProFlowers started with a single farm in California, shipping just 500 rose bouquets for Valentine's Day. 10 years later, they serve more than 7 million customers with 185 fresh cut varieties from eight different countries around the world.

I was thrilled to be able to review one of ProFlowers Gift Baskets! I selected the Summer Treasures Gift Basket made by Cherry Moon Farms. Cherry Moon Farms is part of the ProFlowers brand family. Take a look are the beautiful array in the gift basket:


  • White Peaches



  • Yellow Nectarines



  • Red Plums



  • Roasted Salted Almonds



  • Peach Salt Water Taffy



  • Hand-decorated Sun Lemon Sugar Cookie



  • Cashew Brittle



  • Peach Gummi Rings



  • Raspberry & Blackberry Chews





    • It arrived on time, beautifully packaged, safe and fresh. The Summer Treasures Gift Basket would make an excellent birthday gift for that someone special. And at under $50 dollars it's the perfect price! I have to say that peaches are one of my favorite fruit, but if they lack flavor I don't even bother eating the whole thing-- but the White Peaches that arrived with my Summer Treasures Gift Basket were delicious, juicy and ripe. Not bruised or under ripe like the ones from the grocery store-- but perfect.

    This is also the time of year for moving-- a gift basket from ProFlowers would make an excellent house warming gift!

    No Foundation Foundation by Dr. Perricone-- GIVEAWAY

    When more than one celebrity make-up artist asked Dr. Perricone for a type of foundation that would let the skin's natural radiance and beauty shine through, No Foundation Foundation was born.

    Created to keep skin looking dewy and flawless, this unique formula delivers many benefits of a traditional foundation without the heavy matte finish, which emphasizes the tiniest skin imperfections.  No Foundation Foundation is a multi-purpose product that provides natural translucent coverage, corrects skin undertones, instantly smoothes fine lines and boosts skin's natural moisture throughout the day, all the while delivering antioxidant benefits.

    "I took special care in formulating No Foundation Foundation with a non-chemical SPF 30 to deliver protection against sun damage, making it ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive" - Doctor Perricone
    Who could ask for anything more?! I haven't tried No Foundation Foundation, but mine is on it's way! AND I can't wait! I like the coverage and evenness of foundations, but I hate the goopiness of it, the slickness and the oiliness. It seems to do more damage than it's worth. Between blemishes, splotchiness and then coverage that doesn't seem to last, I go without often. Lately I have been using Dr. Perricone's Tinted Moisturizer only-- and I LOVE IT! I definitely have Perricone skin now! Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for the review of No Foundation Foundation!

    The No Foundation Foundation retails for $50 dollars-- and comes in one universal shade! Yay for not having to figure out your shade! No Foundation Foundation is the first advanced anti-aging translucent foundation with DMAE and Alpha Lipolic Acid!

    Alpha Lipoic Acid - Patented
    - The ultimate antioxidant protects the cell
    - Diminishes fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration
    - Refines skin texture
    - Reduces pore size, puffiness, imperfections and uneven skin tone

    DMAE
    - Provides ultimate contouring benefits to skin beginning to lose elasticity
    - Delivers lifted, tightened and toned appearance to the skin
    - Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

    Would you like a chance to win a bottle of No Foundation Foundation by Dr. Perricone? ENTER HERE!

    GIVEAWAY
    Win a bottle of No Foundation Foundation by Dr. Perricone-- retails for $50.00!

    MANDATORY ENTRY: Comment and share with me why you want or need No Foundation Foundation! (you must be a TicTacDough friend in order to win)
    EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave a comment for each extra entry!)
    - Vote for TicTacDough on Top Mommy Blogs once everyday!  (simply click on the button on the top of the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY per day
    - Grab my button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES
    - Subscribe to Dr. Perricone's Blog-- 1 ENTRY
    - Follow TicTacDough on Twitter– 1 ENTRY
    - Tweet about the giveaway-- 1 ENTRY per day
      #Win No Foundation Foundation from @DrPerricone! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://tinyurl.com/2ewakzc #health #women #makeup
    - Subscribe to my blog – 2 ENTRIES
    - "Like" TicTacDough on Facebook-- 1 ENTRY
    - "Like" Dr. Perricone on Facebook AND post a comment on their wall about this giveaway! 1 ENTRY
    - Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

    RULES:
    - Contest will close at 12 noon. PST on July 14th, 2010
    - Contest open to US Residents.

    Thank you for entering and Good Luck! For questions about entering, please see the giveaway rules.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to Dr Perricone for participating in a giveaway!

    HELP KELLY RIPA AND ELECTROLUX BUILD BANANA SPLITS FOR A CAUSE

    Indulge your virtual sweet tooth and build a banana split! Each day you do, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Plus, you'll be entered for a chance to win the daily prize, $50 toward sweet summer treats, AND the grand prize - the ultimate kitchen "split" - the new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer from Electrolux! Head to Kelly's website and enter now! It's for a good cause and you could win!


    • Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women.

    • The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,650 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2008 and about 15,520 women will die from the disease. It is an insidious disease that can strike without warning or cause.

    Monday, June 28

    Ayala's Herbal Water Review and Giveaway!


    The Herbal Water story begins in the spring of 2005, in the garden of Dr. Ayala.  A passionate cook, trained pediatrician, talented artist and lifelong vegetarian, Dr. Ayala has spent years exploring healthy, tasty ways to feed children and adults.

    Seeking an alternative to sugar-laden and artificially flavored beverages, Dr. Ayala created her own blends of herb-infused waters that magically satisfy thirst and restore the spirit.  Among her family and friends, Dr. Ayala's herbal waters became famous for their uniquely refreshing tastes and aromas.

    Full of flavor yet free of calories, artificial sweeteners, and artificial chemicals, these naturally fragrant beverages evoke happy feelings, like a breeze in a sunny garden.
    I am not a water drinker. I don't like the taste-- or I guess lack thereof, it's not sweet, nor does it have caffeine. I really prefer Coca-Cola if I had my choice of beverage, but unfortunately for me and my flabby legs, coke is calorie laden.

    Enter Ayala's Herbal Water! Ayala's Herbal Water is the first nationally available organically certified enhanced flavored water made with all organic ingredients.  Each Herbal Water blend is all-natural and sets a new standard for healthy beverages:  zero calories, zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, and zero chemical preservatives.  And their water comes from an Artesian Well in Virginia. It's pure and simple-- simply delicious and refreshing!

    My favorite flavor of water is the Lavender Mint-- oh my gosh goodness! It's like a spa day in a cup. You immediately smell the light lavender scent, then as it goes down, you taste the light mint. So good! There is even a light taste if thyme and lemongrass in the water!

    Ayala's Herbal Water comes in six great tasting flavors-- from Cloves Cardommon to Ginger Lemon Peel-- each has it's own distinct flavor and scent!

    Ayala's Herbal Water is sold all over the U.S and even online! The water is sold online in packages of 12 for $24 dollars. $2 dollars a bottle sounds a little steep at first, but think of what you pay for that sugar laden soda beverage! Plus if you sign up for the newsletter, you will receive $5 off your order!
    GIVEAWAY
    Win a 6 bottle sampler and a tee from Ayala's Herbal Water!

    MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me which Herbal Water flavor you can't wait to try! (you must be a TicTacDough friend in order to win)
    EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave a comment for each extra entry!)
    - Vote for TicTacDough on Top Mommy Blogs once everyday!  (simply click on the button on the top of the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY per day
    - Grab my button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES
    - Subscribe to Dr. Ayala's Blog-- 1 ENTRY
    - Follow TicTacDough on Twitter– 1 ENTRY
    - Tweet about the giveaway-- 1 ENTRY per day
      #Win a sampler from Ayala's @HerbalWater! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://tinyurl.com/2amb2wt #health #organic
    - Subscribe to my blog – 2 ENTRIES
    - "Like" TicTacDough on Facebook-- 1 ENTRY
    - "Like" Ayala's Herbal Water AND post a comment on their wall about this giveaway! 1 ENTRY
    - Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

    RULES:
    - Contest will close at 12 noon. PST on July 12th, 2010
    - Contest open to US Residents.

    Thank you for entering and Good Luck! For questions about entering, please see the giveaway rules.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to Ayala's Herbal Water for participating in a giveaway!


    Friday, June 25

    Lovable Labels BlogHer' 10 Getaway Contest-- My Job Description

    Lovable Labels BlogHer' 10 Getaway Contest

     
    • Company:
      M.O.M.S-- Maternal Office of Messiness & Solutions
    • Job Category:
      Household Engineer
    • Status:
      Full Time Employee-- possible bathroom breaks (may or may not be with a toddler at foot) and family vacation time with tenure and seniority. 
    • Experience: Past experience helpful, but not required. You may seek out help from parenting manuals, but don't assume it will help in any way.
    • Wages and Compensation: Hold on to your seats ladies-- you pay them! You offer frequent raises and bonuses for good behavior and helpfulness through a once-a-week "allowance." A large payment is due when they turn 18-- you think  that college will help them become well rounded, educated people. When you die, you give them everything you have.

    • Benefits:  No health or dental insurance, no pension, no paid holidays and no stock options offered. Free hugs and kisses available.

      Household Engineer

      For centuries,  women of all ages, sexual orientation, religions, and backgrounds have joined the ranks of M.O.M.S.. Once conception is acquired, expect a minimum of 18 years to the rest of your life as a M.O.M.S. member.

      You must be willing to go without. This includes sleep (at least until 5 years old-- then again in the teenage years), showering, using the restroom, pedicures, manicures (you should see my feet!), eating while sitting down, eating a balanced meal (bites of chicken nuggets and hot dogs become the M.O.M.S. staple). 

      Don't bother purchasing a new career wardrobe-- vomit, poop and sour milk will occur.

      Must acquire lightning speed reflexes and be able to run out the back door if screams occur. Must also be able to differentiate between "crying wolf" and real pain. 

      Challenges will occur including, but not limited to: 
           * Cutting of hair-- not usually yours, but if sleep occurs it could be-- take precautions.
           * Backed-up toilets due to randomly flushed Barbie dolls
           * Splinters
           * Sharpie Marker on the walls of the dining room
           * One piece bathing suits stuck on the family German Shepard dog.
           * Kool Aid dyed carpeting, bedding, and misc clothing.
           * Poo facials- no explanation necessary.

      Once the teenage years occur, crank calls and random pizza deliveries will become the norm. 

      Must be willing to break open thousands of cheap, plastic, breakable toys from foreign lands.  If your hands cannot get the toy out of the massive amount of plastic, scissors and/or chain saw may be required. The toy may need to be assembled and do not assume there will be directions. Brush up on your Mandarin Chinese for easier assembly and to keep your sanity.






      Wednesday, June 23

      CSN Stores-- Children's 3 Tier Shelf Review

      CSN Stores has a wonderful assortment of children's furniture! Are you in need of a bedroom set for the toddler in your house? How about a bathroom vanity? They have those too! CSN Stores carry a whole lot of everything for everyone in your household! Based in Boston, CSN Stores began in 2002 and has grown rapidly into a Top 3 online U.S. retailer of home and office goods with 400+ employees.

      I had the fabulous opportunity to review something from CSN Stores! I chose the TMS Children's 3 Tier Shelf in Pink and White. Emma needed something for all her books, and this was the perfect choice! 

      The book shelf is a good size-- not too large, and too small. It is scaled for her her size, which is nice!
      It arrived in great condition, was easy to assemble and felt sturdy when the books were added to the shelving. 

      I think the next piece to finish off Emma's room will be a dresser-- I will definitely keep CSN Stores in mind--their selection is unbeatable! 
      No compensation was received for this post. I received product sample in order to facilitate my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to CSN Stores!


      Tuesday, June 22

      Sarah McLachlan Laws of Illusion Review

      Just hearing the name Sarah McLachlan, I go back to my younger days. You know, the all girl tour called Lilith Fair. Some of my favorite ladies headlined-- including my all time fave, Hole (back before Courtney sold out...that's a whole nother post folks!) Sarah has a brand new album, called Laws of Illusion, that hit stores June 15th-- so go out now and download!

      Sarah McLachlan dials in on the melodic and soothing. I especially liked Loving You Is Easy-- the third track. I do have to say though Awakenings-- the first track-- was very much a throw back to the younger Sarah-- LOVED IT!

      Tracks:
      1. AWAKENINGS
      2. ILLUSIONS OF BLISS
      3. LOVING YOU IS EASY
      4. CHANGES
      5. FORGIVENESS
      6. RIVERS OF LOVE
      7. LOVE COME
      8. OUT OF TUNE
      9. HEARTBREAK
      10. DON’T GIVE UP ON US
      11. U WANT ME 2
      12. BRING ON THE WONDER

      Would you like to see Sarah live on tour with her gal pals? Why not right?  The gals include Brandi Carlisle, Mary J. Blige, Colbie Caillat, Loretta Lynn, ooohhh-- and Miranda Lambert-- plus many, many more!
      http://www.one2onenetwork.com/images/lilith_tickets.jpg
      Lilith Fair Tour Dates

      Jun 27 Calgary, AB  McMahon Stadium
      Jun 28 Edmonton, AB Northlands Spectrum
      Jul 1 Vancouver, BC, Canada Pitt Meadows Airport
      Jul 2 Portland, OR Sleep Country Amphitheatre
      Jul 3 Seattle/George, WA  The Gorge Amphitheatre
      Jul 5 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View
      Jul 7 San Diego, CA  Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
      Jul 8 Phoenix, AZ    Cricket Wireless Pavilion
      Jul 9 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Events Center
      Jul 10 Los Angeles, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
      Jul 12 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
      Jul 13   Denver, CO  Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
      Jul 15 Kansas City, MO Capitol Federal Park @ Sandstone
      Jul 16 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
      Jul 17 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
      Jul 18 Minneapolis, MN Canterbury Park
      Jul 20 Indianapolis, IN   Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis
      Jul 21 Detroit, MI    DTE Energy Music Theatre
      Jul 23 Montreal, QC Parc Jean Drapaeu
      Jul 24   Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
      Jul 27 Cleveland, OH    Blossom Music Center
      Jul 28  Philadelphia, PA      Susquehanna Bank Center
      Jul 30 Boston, MA     Comcast Center
      Jul 31 New York, NY   PNC Bank Arts Center
      Aug 1 Hartford, CT     Comcast Theatre
      Aug 3 Washington, DC  TBA
      Aug 4 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
      Aug 6  Charlotte, NC   Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
      Aug 7  Nashville, TN  Bridgestone Arena
      Aug 8 Atlanta, GA Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood
      Aug 10 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
      Aug 11  Tampa, FL    Ford Amphitheatre
      Aug 12   Birmingham, AL  Verizon Wireless Music Center
      Aug 14 Austin, TX TBA
      Aug 15 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
      Aug 16 Dallas, TX  Superpages.com Center

      1-800-FLOWERS -- Who are you Thinking About?-- Sponsored Post

      This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 1-800-Flowers. All opinions are 100% mine.

      Whenever I am away from somebody and they are going through some turmoil in their lives, I feel a little helpless. Like I need to be there to comfort and be their shoulder. Sometimes you think candy, or perhaps the newest chocolate covered fruit, but I seem to always go back to the standard flower delivery. There is something to receiving flowers from someone far away-- knowing they are thinking of you and knowing they are "there" for you no matter the distance.

      1-800-FLOWERS knows people. They know the circumstances people have flowers delivered.

      Do you find yourself thinking about a certain someone several times a day?
      -A past love or friend that slipped out of your life.
      -A best friend?
      -Your spouse or significant other?
      -A secret crush?

      There are many possibilities, and 1-800-FLOWERS know them all! From Just Because Rose bouquets, to Get Well Daisies. Do you have a friend that loves the exotic flowers? Check out the stunning orchids-- 1-800-FLOWERS even has leis for the graduate!  

      I recommend going to 1-800-FLOWERS and browsing all of their selection. If you don't have anybody in mind to send flowers to, keep 1-800-FLOWERS in mind in the future! They are always running great promotional sales!

      If I were to receive flowers-- hint, hint hubby-- I would love to unwrap the Party Time Bouquet by Martha Stewart. Timeless and classic, but fun--  and it definitely screams summer time!
      Visit my sponsor: Who are you thinking about?



      Monday, June 21

      Big News-- Team Reviewer for The Fabulous Won!

      I'm a juggler.... No not the circus ring type (although my house does become circus-like every now and then), but the mom juggler type. You know the ones-- the gals that can't stand still long enough for a shower to heat up. I would just rather get in and get out without the kids knowing. 

      I am a women with many hats... ok, ok enough of the creative talk....


      I am thrilled to announce that I am adding on to my review experience and blogging repertoire by joining the review team at The Fabulous Won!


      What is The Fabulous Won you ask? I am sure if you are review blogging fanatic like myself, you have happened upon Beth's blog once or twice before! You really can't miss it. It's full of fabulous review and giveaways each and everyday of the week! Plus-- what's more-- she has gagalicious (yeah that's a word) fashion finds! From gifts to the eccentric-- The Fabulous Won has a smidgen for everyone!

      Next week, starting June 28th, there will be a Site Warming Party welcoming the review team to The Fabulous Won! Please stop by and say hello, make yourself comfortable, enter a giveaway or two and tell all your friends!
       


      Saturday, June 19

      Winners!

      There are some new winners! Check out the winners page by going to the navigation bar and clicking on "giveaways", then "winners page!"


      Wednesday, June 16

      Scoots Review and Giveaway!

      Originally this post was to be during the Baby Shower Event back in March. But unfortunately, the Scoots website was down during that time for updating. Fortunately for you, we still have a great giveaway! =)

      Scoots is an awesome website devoted to carrying beautiful, quality shoes and apparel for kids of all ages. 
      About Scoots: "My father taught me three whimsical but important life lessons, one of which was to always wear good shoes. “People look at your feet first,” he’d say, which back then, struck me as silly. My shoes were often tattered from playing outdoors or from wearing the same prized pair until the threads unraveled. As I grew older, I understood better what my father meant. Shoes can really tell a lot about a person."
      I was so excited to review the Nowali Moccasins-- they were perfect for my non-sock wearer. Well I guess my daughter Emma is more of a "take your socks off wherever you are" type gal. So needless to say I was constantly buying socks for her... then loosing them... all. the. time.  But with the Nowali Moccasins, they stayed on her feet! There was no working to get them off, then throwing them across a crowded supermarket. The moccasins stayed on using a great elastic strap around the ankle. Plus they came with wonderful leather bottoms-- perfect for indoors where there are slippery surfaces! We have tile floors in a large part of our house. So needless to say, it gets cold in the winter and slippery. The leather bottoms kept Emma in place and warm!

      Would you like to peruse the wonderful selection at Scoots? They have so many great brands-- from Nowali to Pediped to Brown.  

      Or you can win a pair of Nowali Moccasins here!
      GIVEAWAY
      One lucky TicTacDough reader will win a pair of Nowali Moccasins in size 6 months in skull and cross bones motif! Perfect for any little boy!

      MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Scoots and find one other product they carry you would love to own! (you must be a TicTacDough friend in order to win)
      EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave a comment for each extra entry!)
      - Vote for TicTacDough on Top Mommy Blogs once everyday!  (simply click on the button on the top of the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY per day
      - Grab my button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES
      - Grab the new Endless Summer button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES 
      - Follow TicTacDough on Twitter– 1 ENTRY
      - Follow Scoots on Twitter-- 1 ENTRY
      - Tweet about the giveaway-- 1 ENTRY per day, per giveaway
        #Win a boys set of Nowali Moccasins from Scoots! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://tinyurl.com/235vbxw #kids #children #babies
      - Subscribe to my blog – 2 ENTRIES
      - "Like" TicTacDough on Facebook-- 1 ENTRY
      - "Like" Scoots on Facebook AND post a comment on their wall about this giveaway! 1 ENTRY
      - Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

      RULES:
      - Contest will close at 12 noon. PST on June 30th, 2010
      - Contest open to US and Canadian Residents! 

      Thank you for entering and Good Luck! For questions about entering, please see the giveaway rules.  No compensation was received for this post. I received product samples in order to facilitate my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to Scoots for participating in a giveaway!

      Batty's Bath Review and Giveaway!

      Luscious exotic fruits, seductive dark chocolates, gorgeous sweet berries-- you would think I was talking about a fancy candy shop or delicious chocolate company. Nope-- try a bath company incorporating all the favorite smells and tastes of out favorite indulgences. 

      Batty's Bath carries natural, handmade bath and body products taking the most luxurious scents and tastes, and transforming them into a products that anyone would adore to slather on!

      Enjoy the benefits of shea butter, olive oil, and vegetable-based glycerin soaps. Moisturizing body butter, nourishing shampoo, repairing conditioner, soothing lip balm, exfoliating scrubs, luxury body polishes, relaxing bath bombs, natural deodorant and so much more! All products are eco-friendly and made without cruelty from natural, skin loving, Fair Trade Compliant ingredients! Many of Batty's Bath products are vegan friendly.

      Batty's Bath is exclusively on Etsy-- a wonderful marketplace for fabulous handmade and vintage goods. Are you in the mood for the sensual scent of dark chocolate? Why waste the calories when you can indulge in a mood altering body butter?! 

      I was thrilled to try out a coconut scented body butter. Delicious and subtle-- perfect for the upcoming summer months! The body butter was thick, but not overly. It soaked into my dry skin easily without leaving me feeling like an oil slick. The scent was not overpowering-- sometimes I can be sensitive with new smells-- this coconut scent didn't bother me in the least! I also tried out Batty's Bath Cucumber Hand Soap. Fruity, fun and very spring like! Loved the aroma-- sweet and fun. Would be perfect in a guest bathroom! 

      Would you like to check out Batty's Bath for yourself? I thought so!   

      Or you can win a gift certificate from Batty's Bath here!
      GIVEAWAY
      One lucky TicTacDough reader will win a $15 dollar gift certificate from Batty's Bath!

      MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me about the products from Batty's Bath that you would buy with the $15 gift certificate! (you must be a TicTacDough friend in order to win)
      EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave a comment for each extra entry!)
      - Vote for TicTacDough on Top Mommy Blogs once everyday!  (simply click on the button on the top of the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY per day
      - Grab my button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES
      - Grab the new Endless Summer button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES 
      - Follow TicTacDough on Twitter– 1 ENTRY
      - Tweet about the giveaway-- 1 ENTRY per day
        #Win a $15 gift certificate from Batty's Bath! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://tinyurl.com/25z6nl9 #bath #women
      - Subscribe to my blog – 2 ENTRIES
      - "Like" TicTacDough on Facebook-- 1 ENTRY
      - "Like" Batty's Bath on Facebook AND post a comment on their wall about this giveaway! 1 ENTRY
      - Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

      RULES:
      - Contest will close at 12 noon. PST on June 30th, 2010
      - Contest open to US and Canadian Residents! 

      Thank you for entering and Good Luck! For questions about entering, please see the giveaway rules.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to Batty's Bath for participating in a giveaway!

      Friday, June 11

      Pear Tree Greetings-- What Can You Do With an Address Label Giveaway!

      What can you do with an address label? Think outside the box, and tell me what other ways you can use these fabulously stylish stickers?
      Mandatory Entry: Add your comment (ANOTHER WAY TO USE THE ADDRESS LABELS) here for a chance to win one set of address labels (up to 24 labels!) from Pear Tree Greetings! Five lucky winners will be selected at random!

       
      Extra Entry: One extra entry per tweet, per day;
      #Win address labels from Pear Tree Greetings-- 5 WINNERS! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://www.tictacdough.blogspot.com 
      See Pear Tree Greetings' entire collection of address labels!

      Pear Tree Greetings is a fun, fresh and affordable personalized stationery company that offers birth announcements, kid birthday invitations, note cards and more!

      The Endless Summer Event is OVER

      Even though Summer is just beginning, The Endless Summer Event is over! 

      A BIG THANK YOU to all of the sponsors and the readers who visit TicTacDough everyday! You make blogging and doing giveaways so much fun!

       Come back here and check your emails often! Winners will be announced daily starting June 13th!

      HAPPY SUMMER!

      Thursday, June 10

      CSN Stores Review *COMING SOON!*

      I have the fabulous opportunity to review an item from CSN Stores! Have you heard of CSN Stores? They are great-- they carry anything and everything imaginable! From sofas to chicken coops-- they have EVERYTHING!

      I am so lucky to be able to review the Extreme Power Wet/Dry Cordless hand Vacuum Cleaner by Dirt Devil! With the toddler around, I need some extra cleaning power-- and hopefully this will be up for the challenge of sticky cheerios!


      Look for the review in the upcoming weeks! 

      Wednesday, June 9

      Kissimmee-- Sponsored Post

      This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.


      Kissimmee is in the Heart of Florida. Right next to Orlando, close to everything, including the beaches (Atlantic Ocean is just about an hour away; Gulf Coast less than a 2-hour drive). Staying in Kissimmee lets you enjoy ALL the things you want in a Florida vacation -- theme parks, beaches, outdoors, and RELAXATION!

      I had the pleasure of visiting Florida last September when the family and I went to Disney World! Beautiful landscapes, warm weather (ok, ok, it was darn hot, but it was beautiful!), nice and friendly people, awesome shopping outlets and great restaurants. 

      If I were to plan another trip to Disney World, Kissimmee would be a stop or even an overnight destination! Check out the shopping outlets in Kissimmee:


      Here is my dream itinerary:
      Day 1-- Check in to the beautiful Radisson Celebration Resort
      Day 2-- Check out all the shopping Kissimmee has to offer! Outlets here we come!
      Day 3-- A day of Zip lining-- have you seen those?! They look awesome! 
      Day 4 and 5-- Walt Disney World
      Day 6-- Golfing at the ChampionsGate
      Day 7-- A Boat adventure through the Florida Everglades! 


      I encourage you to visit the Kissimmee website and check out all the city has to offer!




      Visit my sponsor: What's Your Kissimmee Story?

      Free Sunset Travel Guide on Grand Canyon National Park

      Free Sunset Travel Guide on Grand Canyon National Park

      http://travelupdate.sunset.com/free-travel-guides/
      Visiting Grand Canyon National Park is one of the great Western travel experiences. The vast red rock ravine encompasses over a billion years of geology, running 300 miles wide and a mile deep. Its sheer size is nothing compared to its staggering beauty displayed in its vibrant walls, dramatic rock spires, ancient lava flows, majestic waterfalls, and the sparkling Colorado River at its floor.
      Toroweap at dusk
      From rim to river, Grand Canyon National Park is more than just a stunning landscape--it's the outdoor enthusiast's and architecture aficionado's ultimate playground. Hiking, rafting, and more fun activities await, while touring historic lookouts and buildings--many of them the top Grand Canyon National Park hotels--offers insight into the park's storied past.
      Sunset celebrates travel in the West and our editors bring you the true local's take on Grand Canyon National Park in our free Sunset Travel Guide. Whether you're visiting this national treasure for the first time or are returning for another visit, our free travel guide reveals hidden gems and unbeatable bargains--it's like getting advice from trusted friends.
      Get the scoop on our favorite hotels, restaurants, and experiences. Download your free Sunset Travel Guide, Grand Canyon National Park Hotels and Activities 2010, and start planning a getaway today! Travel tips include:
      • 8 marvelous hiking trails and 4 scenic driving routes that will set your heart--and your camera shutter--aflutter (pages 8 and 13)
      • The best times of year to visit the park (page 3)
      • Our take on decor, amenities, and more at over 12 Grand Canyon National Park hotels, with options to suit all budgets (page 5)
      • 8 spots to soak up Wild West and Route 66 memorabilia (pages 7 and 15)
      • How to beat the crowds by exploring the park's incredible North Rim (page 13)
      • 7 architectural highlights, including a historic log-and-stone lodge and a watchtower modeled on Native American cliff dwellings (pages 8 and 11)
      • Tips on planning outdoor adventures in the park, from whitewater rafting to mule riding (page 8)
      • Where to check out Arizona art, from a photography studio in the park to a nearby gallery showcasing locally made works (pages 8 and 15)
      • The dish on our favorite places to eat and drink in the park and in its gateway towns, including stately dining rooms, hearty breakfast joints, a restaurant serving 45 flavors of pie daily, and a local microbrewery (pages 7 and 15)
      • Where to find informative audio tours of the park that you can download to your MP3 player (page 3)
      Ready for your Grand Canyon adventure? Stop dreaming and start packing! And don't forget to claim your free copy of the Sunset Travel Guide, Grand Canyon National Park Hotels and Activities 2010, where you'll find info on the park's best lodging, dining, attractions, and activities--straight from our travel editors.

      Endless Summer Event: Noodlehead Giveaway!

      Noodle Head Toys make a great product called Travel Buddies to help keep those little traveling necks protected and comfy! If you are a parent, you know how many times you have looked in to the backseat and saw your child fast asleep, with their necks crooked to the side. It looks uncomfortable-- it has to feel uncomfortable! 

      Travel Buddies are soft, neck pillows designed to comfortably support sleepy heads on planes, trains, and automobiles. Designed for ages 18 months and up-- it's the perfect solution for crooked necks! My daughter seems to have a sensitive neck. If she sleeps on it the wrong way, she is in pain the next few days. So needless to say the Travel Buddies are a great help! Hannah does like to sleep in the car and on plane rides-- with the Travel Buddie I can rest easy knowing her head and neck are better supported.

      The two Travel Buddies my girls received were soft and cuddly. Not overly furry to be annoying-- you know how sometimes the fake fur can irritate allergies-- these seem to be well made and lint-less! They are machine washable and dry-able which is nice for those messy toddlers!

      Would you like to check out Travel Buddies for yourself? They do make the perfect travel companion! Check out Noodle Head Toys today!

      Or you can win a Travel Buddy here!

      GIVEAWAY
      One lucky winner will receive a Travel Buddy (choice of Hippo, Horse, Brown Bear, Pig, Lion, Giraffe, Dolphin, Frog, Moose, Pig or Bunny) from Noodle Head Toys!  
      (you must be a friend of TicTacDough to win).

      EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave a comment for each extra entry!)
      - Vote for TicTacDough on Top Mommy Blogs once everyday!  (simply click on the button on the top of the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY per day
      - Grab my button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES
      - Grab the new Endless Summer button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES 
      - Follow TicTacDough on Twitter– 1 ENTRY
      - Tweet about the giveaway-- 1 ENTRY per day
        #Win a Travel Buddy from Noodle Head Toys! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://www.tictacdough.blogspot.com #endlesssummer #travel
      - Subscribe to my blog – 2 ENTRIES
      - "Like" TicTacDough on Facebook-- 1 ENTRY
      - Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

      RULES:
      - Contest will close at 12 noon. PST on June 23rd, 2010
      - Contest open to US Residents! 

      Thank you for entering and Good Luck! For questions about entering, please see the giveaway rules.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to Noodle Head Toys for participating in a giveaway!

       

      Navteq: Sponsored Post

      This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NAVTEQ. All opinions are 100% mine.

      NAVTEQ is the company whose technology and maps drive most of the in-car navigation systems and the leading brands of GPS-enabled devices in the U.S., so chances are if you have a nav system in your car, yours is one of NAVTEQs!

      By using the website, www.updateyourmap.com the newest and best alternate routes will update your system, you’ll be able to find a route around traffic so you can get to your destination on time! Because there are more than 100,000 points of interest updated, you’ll find the most convenient gas stations, ATMs or restaurants along the way. You’ll know exactly where Tommy’s next soccer field is located, the quickest route to Sally’s swim lesson and you’ll save yourself some precious time so that you can get out of the car and relax!

      Updating is easy, just go to this www.updateyourmap.com and follow the drop-down menus which correspond to the built-in system or portable device. Installing updated navigation maps takes just minutes, but can save hours, fuel and the frustration of getting lost or being late. Mom’s taxi service has to stay on schedule and stick to a budget!

      I never realized how much time I truly spend in the car until I wrote it down and studied the amount of time it takes to get places. I live in a bit of a rural community outside of San Diego. The time it takes to get to and from places is sometimes as much as an hour depending on the destination. I have a GPS system in my SUV, and it's really helpful in finding the best mapped routes. It is a GPS system from 2002, so needless to say it's outdated! Sometimes going in to the newer sections of the city is hard, because the GPS has not been updated. Plus, while traveling to places I am sure of, the GPS can be unreliable due to it's age. Freeways exits change almost daily-- especially here in Sam Diego-- I am positive I could save hours a week by having an updated nav system!

      Visit my sponsor: Making mom's life a little easier

      Monday, June 7

      Endless Summer Event: My Busy Kit Giveaway!

      Oh the woes of traveling with kids.... the crying, the boredom, the walking/running from one airport gate to another, cramped spaces, changing diapers on a plane, grumpy people trying to sleep in the seats in front of you, snooty flight attendants... the list goes on and on. It's tough to travel with children. You could have absolute angels, but the moment those angelic faces step on a jet plane, they melt down in to some cranky kid you don't recognize!

      I received a fabulous kit called the "My Busy Kit." It contains all sorts of fun craft and toy items, perfect for keeping the munchkins entertained. Check out the picture below of all the cool stuff included!


      From little games to fun lacing crafts, the kids loved it! I loved that it was all contained in one neat package that can fit into any carry on or diaper bag.

      Top 10 My Busy Kit Uses:
      Airplane
      Restaurants
      Grandma's House
      Road Trips
      Doctor's Office
      Church
      Sporting Events
      Quiet Time at Home
      Birthday Goodie Bags
      Gifts
      What is special about My Busy Kit?
      Every kit has a combination of items to spark curiosity and sustain interest over time. We include toys and activities from four main categories: color and draw, play and pretend, create and construct, and discovery (i.e., using gadgets to discover the world around you). By choosing a broad assortment of activities to encourage independent play, My Busy Kit becomes an imagination builder for kids, and a sanity saver for adults!
       Would you like to win a My Busy Kit for your angel? 

      GIVEAWAY
      One lucky TicTacDough reader will win a My Busy Kit!

      MANDATORY ENTRY: Share your traveling disaster-- what went wrong on a vacation with the family?-- kid or no kids! =) (you must be a TicTacDough friend in order to win)
       
       
      EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave a comment for each extra entry!)
      - Vote for TicTacDough on Top Mommy Blogs once everyday!  (simply click on the button on the top of the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY per day
      - Grab my button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES
      - Grab the new Endless Summer button from the sidebar and post it on your blog (Please leave me your blog url)- 2 ENTRIES 
      - Follow TicTacDough on Twitter– 1 ENTRY
      - Follow My Busy Kit on Twitter--    1 ENTRY
      - Tweet about the giveaway-- 1 ENTRY per day
        #Win a My Busy Kit to keep #kids happy while traveling! @tictacdoughshop #giveaways http://www.tictacdough.blogspot.com #endlesssummer #imagination
      - Subscribe to my blog – 2 ENTRIES
      - "Like" TicTacDough on Facebook-- 1 ENTRY
      - "Like" My Busy Kit on Facebook AND post a comment on his wall about this giveaway! 1 ENTRY
      - Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

      RULES:
      - Contest will close at 12 noon. PST on June 21st, 2010
      - Contest open to US Residents! 

      Thank you for entering and Good Luck! For questions about entering, please see the giveaway rules.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine. A special thanks to My Busy Kit for participating in a giveaway!

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