Black Friday Countdown

That's right! We are counting down to Black Friday! Can you believe it? As of today, there is only 54 days to wait until the best deals! 

Here in Canada, we are starting to see our stores offering some Black Friday deal, and I can't wait to see what kind of sales I can find this year! I am hoping to get all my Christmas shopping done this year!

Are you excited yet? What is your favourite black Friday sale to hit?

Countdown to Black Friday

Packaways Review

In a house of 7 people, we are always storing things. Oh the storage! And I hate to admit it, but I am often forced to resort to diaper boxes to store my kids old clothes, or winter wear. (I admit it, I am terrible, I know!)

The Basics 

Packaways is a brand new Storage Box that ships and stores in the flat position. Finally! A realistic option for storing things! 

Packaways are made of heavy-duty corrugated plastic, are lightweight and water-resistant. 

Packaways come in 3 designs:

Classic

Tote

Under Bed

I was sent 2 of the classic storage designs. When I first received the shipment, I was sceptical. I thought there was no way sturdy storage containers could fold that small. They are going to be flimsy. Well, I am pleasantly surprised! The Packaways are nice and sturdy, and really do fold flat! One of the things I love most, is the wipe clean panels. When things are this simple, you have to love it! Now I can easily label my box and not have all kids of scribbles when I switch the box contents! Setting up the Packaway was super simple. 

Why You'll Love It

• Folds flat for easy storage
• Wipe away panels let you always know what is in the box
• Sturdy
• Stackable
• Economical

I will be buying more of these for sure. 

Buy It

Visit http://www.packaways.com/ and see the many storage options available. Classic Packaways start at only $8.95! Free shipping on orders over $49! 

Visit Packaways on Facebook

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Eddie Bauer Travels System Giveaway (US)

As child safety week is coming to an end Tailor Made Momma and and Life With Levi have teamed up to bring you the giveaway event of the month!
I still have an Eddie Bauer playpen I bought 8 years ago, and even after a ton of use, it still looks and works great! This stuff is made to last!

 From Monday September 24th to Sunday September 30th you have the chance to enter to win this awesome prize! US Only. Sorry :( This item retails for $249.00 and can be found exclusively at Target! What to see what Cristina at Tailor Made Momma thought about the Trevel System? Check out her review here. Here are a few of the great features that this travel system offers: -Infant seat holds up a baby from from 4lbs to 35lbs. -Stroller supports child from 4lbs to 50lbs. -Quick one hand fold and stand. -Child snack tray with cup holder. -Parent tray with 2 cup holders.   Even if you don't have an infant this would make a great gift for the mom-to-be in your life.   Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Cheerios

A baby's first is something we all cherish. First smile, first laugh, first steps. All moments that are engrained in a mother for all time.

What was your baby's first finger food? It's a moment to remember. Guaranteed, Cheerios are in there somewhere right? Did you know that 4 out of 5 pediatricians recommend Cheerios as a first finger food? Not hard to imagine. Nutritious, and easy to eat, perfect for little fingers mastering the pincer grasp. Plus, it is a food that is usually a staple in our home!

General Mills has started a First Cheerios campaign, celebrating your little one's first finger foods. All year, Canadian moms will be posting photos of their little one's first Cheerios moments on their Life made Delicious Facebook page. The first 1000 post will receive a coupon for a free box of Cheerios! Every participant after the first 1000 will receive a $1.00 off coupon. As an extra bonus, you could see your little one's smiling face on a new box of Cheerios! Cheerios will be unveiling a mosaic on a limited edition family sized box of Cheerios in the spring of 2013. Now that's a bragging right moms can be proud of!

We decided to do delayed solids this time around, so little C is just beginning to take finger foods now.

It's amazing to me that even after 5 children, the firsts still make me smile! first Cheerios is a great way to show off these memorable moments of our little one's to the world!

Visit  http://www.facebook.com/LifeMadeDelicious and share your first Cheerios moment. 

Disclosure – I am participating in the First Cheerios Blog Tour by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blogare my own.

Jewellery Candle Giveaway (US)

Thank you for letting us have a part in this giveaway!

Review and Giveaway by: Elitemama

Jewelry Candles was inspired by the famous classic movie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. A great classic movie that everyone has pretty much seen. The people at the company love the movie and thought that it would be awesome to do their own Willie Wonka type concept. Instead of having golden tickets inside of a chocolate bar, you will find jewelry in these all natural soy candles. With Jewelry Candles, everyone is a winner =) Inside of all the candles there is a hidden jewel that can be worth anywhere from $10 to $7,500. In the candle you could find a ring, necklace, pendant, bracelet, anklet, or even a pair of earrings. You never know what you will find in your candle, but it will always be a fabulous piece of jewelry.

Jewelry Candles are made with 100% natural soy and premium quality fragrances making these candles smell amazing. There are LOTS of scents to choose from. The candles are huge! They are 21 oz and have a burn time anywhere from 110 hours to 150 hours so you get a lot of bang and fragrance for your buck. Each candle is hand poured with love from Louisville, Kentucky.

Review:

I was excited to have the opportunity to review one of the lovely Candles from Jewelry Candles. Not only was I excited, I was was practically jumping up and down like a kid in a candy store, lol. My kids even looked at me funny as well. So, I got to choose a candle and I chose the Pink Love candle. Now before I go on about the candle, I want to let all of you know about the shipping. The shipping was excellent. The candle arrived extremely fast, I mean in like less than 2 days fast. And the best part was the packaging. When it came to the packaging, that candle was sealed and protected. I mean it was covered in so much bubble wrap, the candle could have made it though a battle, lol. It was great. That right there shows that Jewelry Candles takes care of there products and wants their customers to be completely satisfied.

Here is the lovely candle

Originally the label on the candle was covering the area where the jewelry "marker" is, but I moved it so you can get a visual of where to expect your jewelry when you get your candle. It doesn't always end up in the same place as mine happened to be. It could be a bit higher. 

The candle has to wicks so it gives you a nice even burn. No need to worry about the candles tunneling through one side leaving the other side waxy, lol. The smell of the candle when it is burning is so relaxing and calm. I love it and there is no harsh or pungent odor either when it is being burned.

And now, for the best part. Are you ready? Lookie =)

As you can see in one part of the photo the foil is peaking through the wax. That is when you are ready to open your prize. I got this lovely heart shaped ring. It fits perfect with the candles. And I'm letting you know this ahead of time, the jewelry is top knotch. I have a scensitivity to jewelry causing me to break out, but with the ring that I got in my candle, I had no issues at all. I even wore the ring for three days straight to see if I would have a reaction and nothing. So you know right then and there that Jewelry Candles uses high quality jewelry in their candles along with a high quality candle =) Once you have tried Jewelry Candles, you will be hooked. Check out my youtube video to learn more.

Enter to win a Jewelry Candle of your own

2 winners will be chosen

Candles will be selected at random by Jewelry Candles

Open to the US

Giveaway ends 10/6

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$10 Kohls Gift Card and a $5 Starbucks Gift Card Flash Giveaway (US)

We want to hear your voice!

 We're testing out a NEW Giveaway format and would love your opinion! We're hoping to make our events even better by making the process easier on all of you to enter! For helping us out and giving this new format a test drive, you'll be entered to WIN a $10 Kohls Gift Card AND a $5 Starbucks Gift Card! So take it for a spin and let us know what you think!
That's a pretty good deal!

About Our Sponsor

Normally we'd have an awesome sponsor but since we're just doing a test run, Mommy Needs Her Coffee is the Sponsor. ;)  

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The Prizes

Enter to WIN a $10 Kohls Gift Card and a $5 Starbucks Gift Card

(giveaway is open to US Residents Only)

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How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on Wednesday 9/19 at 10 pm EST and Close on Thursday 9/20 at 10 pm EST. Complete the mandatory entries below to enter.

Follow Our Sponsor

*Mandatory Entry* Follow @bloggingmomof4

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Follow Our Team

*Mandatory Entry*

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Leave a Comment

*Mandatory Entry*

Leave a comment below...do you like the new format, is it easier, harder, etc.

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Tweet it Out

Help us Test out a New Giveaway Format and Enter to WIN $10 Kohls and $5 Starbucks! #MissionGiveaway mommyneedshercoffee.com/?p=3071
— Dawn (@bloggingmomof4) September 19, 2012

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Bonus Giveaways to Enter

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After you've completed the above...

Fill Out the Entry Form

You Did It!

That's it! You have successfully entered this awesome giveaway! Side note...It's not mandatory that you enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter. Mission Giveaway started with the $100 Story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are the Mission Giveaway Group! To inquire about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer. Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us. You can find official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Rompas Words Review

I love word games. Confession time, I am kinda a closet geek. I love video games, all kinds too! One of the things I love about Facebook, is being able to play the games I love with my friends. The thing I don't like about these games, is playing on their schedules. I am a busy mom with 5 kids, I home school. I can't always play when my friends do. Sometimes they don't play as often as I do. There is nothing worse than having the perfect word to play in a word game.....and then forgetting it because it has been a week! I mean really FRUSTRATING,  RIGHT?

Rompus Words gets that! 

 

The Basics

Rompus words is a crossword style word game similar other word games out there, but with a key difference. You play alone, and compete with your friends by your weekly high scores.
The word welcome is placed on the board to begin, and you are gives 7 letters to place on the board. Silver and gold tile letters are earned, each with an increased point value.

The goal is to score as high as possible in a limited amount of turns. Since it is based on a number of turns, not a set amount of letters, you can score really high by placing as many letters as possible in each turn.
You can also help, and hinder your friends. There are credits that you can use to buy help if you get stuck, like new and better letters.

All in all, Rompus Words has a nice twist on the classic crossword game, providing challenging solo play with a social element. Check it out, and post your high scores!

Play Rompus Words on Facebook
Play Rompus Words on-line

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Strollers Giveaway

Who is ready for another great giveaway?

Sweet Pea Savings has teamed up with MyStrollers.com and a Bunch of great bloggers to bring you this amazing giveaway!

This week you have chance to win an awesome $50 MyStrollers.com Gift Card! You can get what ever you need and we all know everyone needs something!

This giveaway will begin at 12:01 am on 9/18 and end on 10/3 at 12:01 (eastern). It’s a 2 weeks long so if you can’t get to the entries at once, just come back later! And there are entries you can complete daily so you can rack up the entries!

All entries will be verified!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. In signing up for this promotion, participants release and indemnify Facebook from all liability. My Strollers.com is responsible for the shipping of the prizes they have sponsored

$50 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway (US)

Attention coffee lovers:

One lucky new user of Habidy will win a $50 Starbucks Gift Card!

Habidy is the next great social community on the Web. As a member of Habidy, you can add photos, videos, links and any other content - just make it interesting, have a point of view and don’t tell us how much you want pancakes or how much you love your pet gerbil.

Habidy was built with one mission in mind: to create a community where members can truly question their world - ask questions, post opinions and share information.

Habidy does not limit your interaction to friends, it doesn’t have points and games, and it is not intended to be a showcase of your party pictures or a place to document the fact that you’re in a crabby mood. It’s an exchange of ideas, opinions, interests, articles and news that we hope will lead to more informed, colorful interactions among people on the web.

To create your Habidy account type this code into the field on www.habidy.com that says "Got a Code?" :  W35LIL

The Habidy Rules:

OK, there really are no rules. Their goal is to help create a unique online community and to stand for truth, justice and the American way.

Habidy, is all about opinions - and everyone has one. However, if you badger, pester or bully, you will be finding another community to join.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure: Life: Full of Unexpected Happiness is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Mission Giveaway: Usborne Books

 One of the greatest skills our children learn is how to read. Some kids take to it easily, and love it. Others learn to hate reading early on, something that is very difficult to break.
Usborne books are wonderful books made to keep kids engaged, and help them at the levels they are at. As a homeschooling mom, I really appreciate books that help keep my kids attention.

  About Our Sponsor

Since having grandchildren Colleen became enthralled with Children's Books most especially ones that keep a child's attention and can hold up with repeated use. When she was introduced to Usborne Books, Colleen decided to become an Independent Consultant for Usborne and Kane Miller books. She loves bringing quality books to kids of all ages. And I believe Usborne & Kane Miller Books have the best selection of non-fiction books for children, on the market. 30 years ago Peter Usborne pioneered a new generation of books that have proven it is possible to create books that compete with the vast media that attracts children today. From activity book and neat fiction series, to internet-linked science and history encyclopedias, Usborne does books better. Kane Miller books come from all over the world to bring a different feel, culture, or a silly story that kids everywhere can enjoy. Fantastic fiction series make Kane Miller a wonderful choice for the young readers in your life.
Visit  http://www.UsborneAlaska.com

  Grand Prize: One of Two (2) Usborne Prize Packs - One to win and one to give

 The Usborne Very First Reading ($70 ARV) is an exciting series for children who are just starting to learn to read. The 15 book boxed set includes a helpful parents’ guide. Online resources are available at veryfirstreading.com. Very First Reading is designed to bring children up to the level at which they can tackle stories in Usborne First Reading (Level One), which is part of the best selling Usborne Reading Program. The First Reading boxed set contains 10 books including Levels 1 through 4, plus a Parent's Guide to assist with helping your child learn to read. Using the included Parent's Guide, you will help your reader build confidence with books that progressively introduce new vocabulary, verb tenses, comparatives, superlatives, and more.
 Level One titles are designed to be the first real books a beginner will tackle with support from a parent or teacher.
Level Two titles stretch the reader a little more, with more advanced story lines, more text and more complicated sentence structure and vocabulary.
Level Three titles encourage the reader to develop reading stamina.
And Level Four titles build readers' stamina still further and have 48 pages entirely devoted to the story.

 This box set includes the hardback editions of the following titles: Ant and the Grasshopper, The Fox and the Stork, The, Bears, Brer Rabbit Down the Well, How Zebras Got Their Stripes, Old Woman who Swallowed a Fly, The, Danny the Dragon, Monkeys, Elephants, and Polar Bears.

  Here's How You Enter: The Giveaway will open up on Tuesday 9/11 at 12:01 am EST and Close on Friday 9/14 at 11:59 pm EST.
 1) Start at the Rafflecopter Giveaway form.
 2) Complete the Mandatory entries.
 3) Work your way through the links, entering contests at each blog as you go. These contests each have their own rules and end dates.
 4) Complete additional entries towards the bottom and come back for additional daily entries!

 That's it! You have successfully entered this awesome giveaway! Side note...It's not mandatory that you enter all the giveaways at each blog. However, doing so not only increases your chances of WINNING the other prizes, it increases your chances of WINNING the Grand Prize!

 Mission Giveaway started with the $100 Story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are the Mission Giveaway Group! To inquire about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer. Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us.
  Check out how entrants would pay it forward this week and enter your own comment:

  . a Rafflecopter giveaway

Silly Saturday Grandparents

In honour of Grandparent's Day tomorrow......

What Is a Grandparent?

(Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)

• Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.
• A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother is a lady!
• Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard, or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and spend money on us, cos Grampy has loads of money!
• When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.
• They show us and talk to us about the colours of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'
• They don't say, 'Hurry up.'
• Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.
• They wear glasses and funny underwear.
• They can take their teeth and gums out.
• Grandparents don't have to be smart.
• They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'
• When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.
• Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.
• They know we should have snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.
• A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. Oh he said she lives at the airport, and when we want her we just go and get her. Then when she's done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.
• Grandad is the smartest man on earth He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him !!!
• It's funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.

Wordless Wednesday: Glasses

My 18 month old has glasses! I'm sad....

Interactive ABC App review

Learning to read is the most important skill for us to teach our children. In a world of television, computers, tablets, and cell phones there are more educational options, and more distractions than ever before. As a home schooling family, I am always watching out for educational content in everything my children do.

Interactive ABC HD - Pre-reading for Kids

By Kids Academy Company

Kids Academy Company has created an app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch designed for children 2-6. This app teaches the alphabet in a fun, musical, and interactive way that is sure to engage your preschooler and form a sound reading foundation. 

The Basics

When starting out, parents create a profile for their child, or children and can add a photo for that profile. This makes it easy for the child to select their own profile when playing.

In Parents mode, parents can change settings, add profiles, and monitor their child's progress.

The alphabet is presented as colourful flashcards. Each letter is shown in upper and lower-case with animations and pictures. When your child taps a picture, it is animated and the word is spelled out. The phonetic sound of the featured letter is emphasized before the reading of the word.

My 3 year old loves this app. He feels grown up since he can use Mommy's iPad all on his own. 

Why You Will Love It

• 100% safe. Interactive ABC has no ads and no social network integration. Made with parents in mind
• Develops fine motor skills by tapping objects
• Helps children increase their attention span as they concentrate on a task
• Aligned to Kindergarten Reading Foundation skills of Common Core Standards
• Focuses on upper and lower case letters as well as phonics
• Improves memory
• A variety of music, no broken record effect
• Affordable only $1.99

Why They Will love It

• Colourful
• Interactive
• Familiar songs. Plays an instrumental version of the ABC song
• Easy to use, no need to ask for help every 2 seconds!
• Over 100 Animations
• Lots of fun music
• Playing with a grown up toy.......need I say more ;)

I love this app. My children are already well versed in their alphabet, and this app is helping to keep the learning fun. Each of the skills he is developing will assist him in his journey through schooling and beyond.

Buy it:
Buy Interactive ABC HD from iTunes


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

8300 Fan Fan Gift Card GIveaway Winner....

Congrats goes out to the winner of the gift card giveaway. Congrats  Madeline Brubaker.  Please make sure to contact me within 72 hours with your choice of card.  I will email you shortly.  If contact is not made another winner will be chosen :)
Again Congrats!!!

Mission Giveaway: Bulu Box (US)

Nutrition is important. A a mother of 5, I have seen how different you can feel when your body is depleted of it's nutrients. So many companies offer this and that supplement and vitamin. How do you choose? Paying $60 for a bottle that doesn't help seems so wasteful! What is someone to do? Well, give Bulu Box a try!

  Grand Prize: 6 month subscription to Bulu Box a $60 value! One for you and one for a friend!

  About Our Sponsor

  Bulu Box is The first vitamin and supplement nutrition sample box for women and men. Try 4 to 5 nutritional samples monthly before you buy and discover what works best for your body. Watch the video to learn more.

  Here's How You Enter: The Giveaway will open up on Tuesday 9/4 at 12:01 am EST and Close on Friday 9/7 at 11:59 pm EST. 1) Start at the Rafflecopter Giveaway form. 2) Complete the Mandatory entries. 3) Work your way through the links, entering contests at each blog as you go. These contests each have their own rules and end dates. 4) Complete additional entries towards the bottom and come back for additional daily entries! That's it! You have successfully entered this awesome giveaway! Side note...It's not mandatory that you enter all the giveaways at each blog. However, doing so not only increases your chances of WINNING the other prizes, it increases your chances of WINNING the Grand Prize!

 Mission Giveaway started with the $100 Story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are the Mission Giveaway Group! To inquire about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer. Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us.

  The amazing Blogs participating in the event this week are: Pittsburgh Frugal Mom|Madame Deals|Mommy Needs Her Coffee|FurKid Fosters|Color Me Crystal|Insights by April|Coupons with Q|Giveaway Bandit|Saving You Dinero|Sweet Pennies from Heaven|Super Frugal Stephanie|Life: Full Of Unexpected Happiness|Couponing to be Debt Free |A Savings WOW!|Stretching Your Budget|the ABC kidZ|More 4 Mom's Buck|The Lucky Ladybug|Utah Coupon Deals|Diva Fabulosa|Hot Fun Stuffs|Confessions of an Overworked Mom|Meg's Moxie|Tidbits From A Mom|Susan's Disney Family|Freesocial2011|Mommy Needs Her Coffee|Madame Deals|Whirlwind of Surprises|

  Check out how entrants would pay it forward this week and enter your own comment: . a Rafflecopter giveaway