May 21, 2013

Marvel’s The Avengers Prize Pack Giveaway {CLOSED}

What is the one movie you’ve been waiting to see all year?! I bet if you’re anything like Jon & me you’ve been waiting on pins and needles for “Marvel’s The Avengers”, well the wait is almost over.

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS hits theaters everywhere on May 4th!

Can’t wait that long?  Well, I’m here to serve you up some sneak peeks and a great Avengers giveaway!
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last several years, here’s a run-down of what you can expect from Marvel’s The Avengers when it comes out next month.

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes IronMan, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, NickFury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble May 4th, 2012.


A staple of my childhood, I have long been an Avengers fan and have been breathlessly awaiting this movie for years now!  I can’t wait to see my favorite group of heroes (obviously Black Widow is my favorite) leap onto the screen next month and I’m just as excited to announce that I am able to offer this great “Avengers” giveaway that is really something to Marvel at (lol, see what I did there?!)

Marvel has given my readers the opportunity to win a very special Avengers gift pack and all you have to do is leave a comment to win.

So, while I’m on vacation this weekend, leave me a comment letting me know which of the heroes is your favorite and you’ll be automatically entered to win a “Marvel’s The Avengers” gift pack. 

Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only and will close Friday, May 4th at midnight.

One winner will receive:

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS t-shirt in adult  sizes of S, M, L, XL

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS set of 6 buttons

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS one pair of limited edition 3D glasses

Not part of the contest, but you can also find The Avengers elsewhere on the internet.

“Like” MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Facebook

Follow MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Twitter

Don’t forget: MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS hits theaters everywhere on May 4th!

This items for this giveaway were provided by Marvel, however all excitement over this new movie is my own.

 

Max Moms Make A Day Better for Teachers Everywhere

For the past three years High Impact Mom has teamed with Office Max and the A Day Made Better campaign to put an end to teacher funded classrooms.  Two years ago I was given the opportunity to hold a community party to collect school supply donations.  After the party I presented the supplies, along with a $25 gift card from Office Max, to the special education department.

With school budgets cuts, teachers are taking matters into their own hands by purchasing their own classroom materials. According to the National Education Association, teachers are spending about $1,000 each year on supplies for their class, which is pretty astonishing. Can you imagine if your job asked you to bring your own tape, scissors, and paper? There would be a backlash, but somehow, teachers have silently picked up the tab…until now.

Last year I was able to present a local brand new Humanities teacher with a $100 gift card to Office Max, provided by Office Max.  Office Max did things a bit differently again this year by providing $100 worth of school supplies for me to present to a teacher in my local community.

 

After speaking with our principal and other faculty in the school, I had the honor to present another brand-new teacher with a box full of Office Max goodies.

Ms. P is not only a fantastic teacher and adorable human being; she is also active in the community and enriches the lives of children throughout the community.

Needless to say Ms. P was super excited and so appreciative and I was so excited to get to present these goodies to her and brighten her day!

I feel so honored to have joined the Max Moms for Teachers program again to help create awareness and give back to teachers. The Max Moms are working in collaboration with the national “A Day Made Better” cause founded by OfficeMax and nonprofit Adopt-A-Classroom to help erase teacher-funded classrooms. Annually in October, they host a national event that recognizes and rewards over 1,000 teachers with a total of $1 million in school supplies to help alleviate the financial burden and thank them for their hard work.

You too can join in this cause and give back to a deserving teacher by nominating your favorite teacher to receive a $50 gift card for school supplies donated by OfficeMax. You’ll also receive an A Day Made Better cause box, and we encourage you to purchase supplies for your favorite teacher and surprise him or her in her classroom.

Entry Requirements
1) For a chance to enter and win, please post a comment below that describe why the teacher you’d like to nominate is 1) Passionate; 2) Dedicated and 3) Innovative.
We look forward to your nominations and will announce the winner on Oct. 20th!

Terms & Disclosure: No purchase necessary to be eligible for a chance to enter or win. The winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. The gift card was provided by OfficeMax as part of its cause for teachers. The views written here are my opinion.

 

Back-to-School Organization for Dummies

Are you like me?  DO you keep every single piece of paper that comes home from school or the doctor’s office? And now…well, now that school is back in session “the pile” (as it’s lovingly referred to in our home) is starting to take over your “office” and it’s taking over the desk.  I am notorious for keeping every single piece paper, every packet and brochure that KG’s school sends home at the first of the year…or who are we kidding? Throughout the year.  I’m sure I’ll continue to do so, but it occurs to me that when the paperwork is multiplying like rabbits and getting a bit out of control I might need some help.

I don’t want to keep putting KG & KJ’s artwork into a tub in the garage never to be looked at, forgotten.  Yet, that’s what’s happening.  Every year I find myself saving so much of the precious artwork haphazardly in plastic bins tucked away in a dark corner of our garage.  When will I have the time to look at them again?

And when you add the amount of paper work that comes along with having to children with juvenile asthma, the immunization records, and the new addition KG’s baptism certificate…and all of Mommy & Daddy’s personal paper work I’m sure you’ll agree that something must be done to help me keep all of these personal items organized…and preferably all in one place.

In an effort to live a more clutter-free and organized life (something I think will also aide in my weight-loss) I recently signed up for an online service called About One, which bills it’s self as an online productivity tool.  After spending an entire day, and I think that’s something you need to be prepared for…you’ll need an entire day to set it up fully,  AboutOne is showing me how to get organized and allows me to track our spending by keeping up with my household receipts.  It’s also awesome because I don’t have to feel guilty about not scrapbooking, because AboutOne let’s me capture special moments (from each child’s birth story to their latest milestone) and even keep our family updated with a family newsletter.  Thanks to the ability to keep all of our important papers in the cloud, AboutOne is showing me how to declutter not just my office, but it’s extending into the artwork areas, and the kid’s school work area making for a much more peaceful area.  AboutOne isn’t just a digital scrapbook it’s a digital filing system and more!

If I can stick to using AboutOne for an entire year (which will run you about $30 a year), I should be able to keep my office clean…right? RIGHT? Ha. Yeah, I lol’d too.

But at least I won’t be buried by a mountain of paper work any more!

So now I have some awesome news: AboutOne.com is hosting a giveaway! You can win a $500 AMEX card for you and $250 to be donated to the school of your choice!

Mandatory contest entry: sign up for AboutOne free trial (absolutely no credit card info required), then fill out the form below after you’ve signed up! Easy as that!

 

 

Rules: One winner will be chosen at random from all entries across all blogs to receive the following prize: $500 AMEX gift card and an upgrade to a free subscription to AboutOne.com to 1 grand prize winner + a $250 donation to the school of their choice.  All other entries will receive an email with a code for 25% off a one year subscription to AboutOne.com.  This giveaway ends September 9th at 11:59 p.m. ET and is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older.

Still need to know more before signing up? Check out this video shows you how AboutOne can help you declutter your life.

Free trial info: The 17 day Free Passport gives you 17 full days of usage with no expiration date (requires no credit card information). Use each of your 17 days whenever you like. Our Yearly Plan gives you a full year of access to AboutOne for the low price of $30 per year.

Full disclosure: I was compensated by the Global Influence Network for my participation in this promotion program with AboutOne. The thoughts and opinions are mine and honest.

Family Financial Literacy with T. Rowe Price & The Great Piggy Bank Adventure® – Giveaway {CLOSED}

As you all know I am a huge proponent of financial literacy and I also believe that you should start teaching your children financial responsibility at an early age.  We have always talked about money, financial responsibility, and the future with our girls…in fact, I can’t even remember when we started. Probably at birth. ;-)   I know people who, as adults, are struggling with financial independence and responsibility; I have seen the toll this takes on them, personally, as well as on their families.  I don’t want that for my girls, so when T. Rowe Price approached me and asked me to help them gather some information about how families are teaching financial responsibility and offered me the chance to give a Flip cam away to one lucky reader, I jumped at the chance!

Talking with children about saving and spending wisely is perhaps more important than ever, that’s why T. Rowe Price collaborated with Disney to create The Great Piggy Bank Adventure®. Through the online game and interactive experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World®, T. Rowe Price wants to help parents talk with their kids about money and good financial habits. Please take a moment to learn about it, maybe you can even use it as a teaching tool with your children!

Personally, Jon & I try not to go into specifics about our financial situation with the girls, but we are honest.  If we can’t afford something we tell them, or if something is outrageously expensive I try to break it down in a way they can understand.  For instance, if one of them wants to participate in an activity that will cost thousands of dollars I try to explain that with the same money we could go to the beach or Disney World, for example.  It’s important for us, as parents, to not scare them with financial truths, but to help them better understand the situation in terms they comprehend.  In our family we talk consistently about the importance of saving for the things we want, ie: that trip to Disney, or the iPod, or even a new outfit.  We want our girls to understand that you save for the things you want after you have paid your bills, or been responsible with your finances.  Do you talk with your kiddos about money? Or is it taboo in your family?

Want to win a NEW Flip camera? Here’s all you need to do to win

Post your answer to one (or more) of these questions in the comments:

Each answer counts as a new entry, so you can answer them all if you want!

  1. Do you think it’s appropriate to discuss your family’s financial situation with your kids?
  2. If so, at what age should you talk to them about family finances?
  3. Was the topic of money “taboo” in your family growing up?
  4. If so, how have you overcome that “taboo” with your kids?
  5. At what age do you start introducing financial concepts such as saving and spending or inflation with your kids?
  6. What advice would you give to other parents trying to use every day moments to teach their kids about the importance of saving and spending wisely?

I can’t wait to read your answers and to give one of you a Flip camera!!

I will be using random.org to choose a winner Sunday, July 24th, at midnight, so hurry!!

Disclosure: “A gift card and the Great Piggy Bank Adventure-branded Flip camera have been provided courtesy of T. Rowe Price. T. Rowe Price is not involved in or responsible for the outcome of this giveaway.

 

{CLOSED}Pure Romance Spices Up My Anniversary and Valentine’s Day – Review and Giveaway

Disguised in an average brown UPS box early last week, I found inside a gift set sure to set my anniversary to HOT.  Packaged beautifully in a black box with pink accents {that made me feel so s.e.x.y., if not a little spicy, I found my Pure Romance set from Global Influence and Pure Romance.  My anniversary is tomorrow, Valentine’s Day, and we always make a point to celebrate the weekend before.  Well, thanks to Global Influence and Pure Romance we were insured a very spicy weekend!

Annnd that’s not all, I have to fun opportunity to make YOUR Valentine’s Day spicy too!

*See the bottom of this Post for that!*

Pure Romance

Patty Brisben, the founder of Pure Romance, started the company in 1993 to empower, educate, and entertain women. Since then, the company has grown to over 70,000 product consultants who live the company’s mission each and every day.

Empowerment: This jobless recovery is taking its toll on families, however very often our Pure Romance consultants report that they are meeting or exceeding their income expectations. Sales have been recession-resistant. Pure Romance experienced a 37% increase in sales in 2010. Pure Romance also empowers women because they are able to take control of their sex lives, which can have an impact on quality of life.

Education: Pure Romance products resonate with women unlike any other in the category due to our commitment to educating women about their bodies and our products. The Pure Romance partnership with the Kinsey Institute, coupled with our curriculum developed by our Director of Sexual Health Education, means our 70,000 consultants are trained to provide the most helpful information and advice. Pure Romance doesn’t sell in stores because in-home parties offer women fun, private, peer-to-peer learning opportunities about romance, intimacy and sex.

Entertainment: Whether it’s the fun and camaraderie of the Pure Romance parties themselves, the use of Pure Romance products by a woman, or a couple’s inventive Pure Romance fun, entertainment is at the core of the company’s mission. {Now that’s a mission I can get behind!}

Here’s a look at what we got to try out:

Just Like Me

Just Like Me is the lubricant that feels just like you! Perfectly imitate natural lubrication with this pH balanced, water based lubricant. The consistency is smooth and easy to control, and the formula is gentle enough for your most sensitive spots. Just Like Me is available in mild Original and Strawberry, which adds a sensual scent and flavor. 4 oz. $16.50
ORIGINAL OR STRAWBERRY

Directions

To use Just Like Me, simply pump a dime-sized amount of the product onto the fingers and apply either to the vagina, onto the toy, or onto a partner’s penis prior to sexual activity (more lubricant can be added as needed).

Features

• Water-based lubricant.
• Mimics a woman’s natural lubrication.
• The Original formula is great for women who are susceptible to yeast and bacterial infections because it has no artificial scents or flavors.
• pH balanced for a woman’s body.
• Measured dispensing pump.
• Approximately three months’ worth of product.

List Price: $16.50

My Opinion: The lubricant is light and silky. I was impressed also by how easy it was to clean up and how natural it felt.

7th Heaven

There’s a reason women choose the 7th Heaven Bullet again and again — it works! This bullet has seven incredible speeds that deliver the intensity and pulse you need to achieve toe curling orgasm. A sure thing is heaven, indeed! Requires three AA batteries.

Directions

To insert the batteries, slide open the battery compartment and follow the instructions located inside. Holding the toy with the cord at the top, the two “outside” batteries will be negative (-) end up and the “middle” battery will go positive (+) end up. To turn on the product, hold the product so the cord is on the top, and push the right arrow. Continue pushing the right arrow to navigate through each speed. To turn off the product, push the left arrow.

Features

• Seven-function power controller.
• Designed to stimulate the clitoris.
• Provides intense erotic pleasure to any external erogenous zone.
• Feel the power of seven different levels of pleasure from a slow pulsation to an intense high vibration.
• Safe to use with all Pure Romance lubricants.
• Takes three AA batteries.

List Price: $28

My Opinion: Um wow.

Coochy Variety Pack

Be smooth and sexy everywhere you go with the Coochy Shave Cream Variety Pack! These 1 oz. bottles of Coochy conditioning shave cream are perfect for travel so you can stop those unsightly red bumps from crashing your beach-ready bod — and your intimate moments! Each variety in the Coochy Variety Pack smells amazing and is gentle for all areas of the body — in fact, Coochy can do double duty as a moisturizing hair conditioner. Pack contains 1 oz. each of Original, Pear Berry, Green Tea, Grapefruit or Pomegranate.

Directions

Apply a moderate amount to the skin prior to shaving. Individuals with sensitive skin should allow Coochy to set a few minutes on damp skin before shaving.

Features

• Coochy is a rash-preventing shaving cream designed for both men and women.
• Relaxes the hair follicle to allow a smooth, clean shave.
• Helps eliminate the red bumps that often appear in the bikini area, underarms, and legs after shaving.
• Doubles as a gentle moisturizing hair conditioner.
• Perfect for travel.
• Four fragrances: Fragrance Free, Green Tea, Original, Pear Berry.

List Price: $28

My Opinion: Using this creates a close and comfortable shave while smelling fabulous {or not at all} in the process!

Come Clean Wipes

Come Clean Wipes make bedroom-accessory hygiene a breeze! So handy, you can take them with you anywhere. Clean toys after each use with Come Clean Wipes by removing batteries, running your toy under warm water, using a Come Clean Wipe, rinsing, and patting dry with a towel. TSA approved for easy travel. These gentle wipes are safe for even the most sensitive woman. 10 wipes. $12

Directions

To use Come Clean Wipes, rinse the toy under warm water, wipe the toy thoroughly with a Come Clean Wipe, rinse again and pat dry with a towel. Store your clean toy in an airtight bag or container (one toy per bag/container) in a cool, dry place.

Features

• Delicate cleanser wipes containing Phospholipids, an antimicrobial soap emulsifier derived from natural coconut oil fat that penetrates any porous area.
• Cleans your adult toys.
• Safe on all toy materials including plastic, latex, silicone, glass and synthetic materials.
• Use it on your new toys, and before and after each use to keep toys squeaky clean.
• Helps to extend the life of your toys.
• Easy cleaner for traveling.

List Price: $12

My Opinion: The Come Clean wipes did a fantastic job of cleaning my 7th Heaven toy right up and not creating a mess at the same time!

Dust me Pink

Dust Me Pink edible body powder introduces fun, playful, edible flirtation to your lovemaking! Use the included sensual feather to dust each other with the edible powder, and then take your time exploring each other’s bodies by kissing off the berry flavored sweetness! Dust Me Pink is sugar free and smells great, too. .77 oz. BARELY BERRY

Directions

Dust trails across your lover’s body or on your own and follow with the tongue.

Features

• Romantic, playful, and edible body powder.
• Comes with a feather applicator.
• Sugar free.

List Price: $16

My Opinion: Tastes great and is SO much fun to play with!  Get creative with this one!

Extcee – Strawberry

Sometimes, ladies, we’re just not in the mood. Ex-T-Cee arousal cream to the rescue! This wonderfully scented, flavored arousal cream was specially formulated to stimulate and excite. Air activates the mint base to provide exciting, arousing sensations and increase blood flow in just the right spot. Ex-T-Cee is perfect for first time users! 1 oz. $15
COTTON CANDY, PEPPER MINT PATTY OR STRAWBERRY

Directions

Apply a pea-sized amount to the clitoris to increase sensitivity during the state of escalating arousal.

Features

• This edible arousal cream is designed specifically for a woman.
• Ex-T-Cee is formulated with a pleasure-tingle mint compound that acts as a cooling stimulant, causing greater sensation and sensitivity in the clitoral area.
• Great for oral favors.
•  Recommended arousal cream for first-time female users.
• Mint oil based.
• Up to three months’ worth of use.

List Price: $15.00

My Opinion: Um. Wow. Again. Really.

Jon and I, as I’m sure you can imagine, had an absolute ball trying out all of these toys and products….but don’t worry you get to have some fun of your own!  Thanks to Global Influence and Pure Romance, I have the opportunity to offer you some of the same products I got to try!  Here’s what you will win:

Pure Romance Mini-nights Mini Nights of Passion

Pure Romance’s most popular products in one convenient collection! Mini Nights of Passion variety pack allows you to enjoy a bottle of Aura, Ex-T-Cee, Excape, Sensations and Sweet Seduction — the ultimate combination for romantic nights away from home.

Directions

As noted on individual bottles.

Features

Perfect sampler pack; great for travelers and personal shower gifts.

Includes one bottle each of: Aura (Seductive Sage), Ex-T-Cee (Strawberry), Excape (Island Breeze), Sensations (Strawberry), Sweet seduction (Original)

Pure Romance - Aura AURA

Aura Massage Oil is a sensory heightening massage oil that contains a specially formulated blend of essential oils and herbal extracts chosen for skin softening benefits and non-greasy, non-sticky qualities. Each scent is pleasant and perfect for a deep, sensual, erotic massage. EUCALYPTUS MINT OR SEDUCTIVE SAGE

Directions

Apply moderately and evenly over the area to be massaged.

Features

• Pleasantly scented and formulated with a blend of essential oils and herbal extracts chosen for their history of dermal benefits and non-greasy feel.
• Can be heated briefly (15-20 seconds) for a warm massage.
• Moisturizes and conditions skin.
• Massage is a great form of foreplay that can help increase arousal

Pure Romance - ExTCee Ex-T-Cee

Sometimes, ladies, we’re just not in the mood. Ex-T-Cee arousal cream to the rescue! This wonderfully scented, flavored arousal cream was specially formulated to stimulate and excite. Air activates the mint base to provide exciting, arousing sensations and increase blood flow in just the right spot. Ex-T-Cee is perfect for first time users! 1 oz. $15
COTTON CANDY, PEPPER MINT PATTY OR STRAWBERRY

Directions

Apply a pea-sized amount to the clitoris to increase sensitivity during the state of escalating arousal.

Features

• This edible arousal cream is designed specifically for a woman.
• Ex-T-Cee is formulated with a pleasure-tingle mint compound that acts as a cooling stimulant, causing greater sensation and sensitivity in the clitoral area.
• Great for oral favors.
•  Recommended arousal cream for first-time female users.
• Mint oil based.
• Up to three months’ worth of use.

Pure Romance - Escape Escape

Share a shower with your partner and feel a million miles away! Indulge in a bath or shower filled with pheromone-infused bubbles to spice up foreplay and tone down stress. Your own mini getaway awaits…just open the bottle! Especially gentle and sensually scented, the specialized formula leaves skin soft and sexy compliments of real California pink champagne, ginseng, and vitamins E and B. Also safe for hot tubs and Jacuzzis. 8 oz. $15.00
Island Breeze, Plumeria and Mangosteen

Directions

Pour a capful under running water or on the Pulsa Bath Ball for a lather-rich bath or shower

Features

• Use as a part of pampering routine in bath or shower
• Pheromones in formula are natures natural attractant
• Safe for drains and hot tubs
• Contains real California pink champagne
• Contains pheromones

Pure Romance - Sensations SENSATIONS

Sensations lubricant starts cool, warms up, and finishes hot! Out of the bottle, Sensations feels cool on the skin. Add a little friction, and the lubricant warms. Give a gentle blow, and the air activated formula delivers exciting heat! Sensations is available in mouthwatering flavors or flavorless Original. Safe with polyurethane condoms. 4 oz. $15
CANDY APPLE, HOT BUTTERED RUM, KINKY COCOA, ORIGINAL, PEPPERMINT PATTY, SPICE IS NICE AND STRAWBERRIES AND WHIPPED CREAM

Directions

To use Sensations, use a dime-sized amount for small body massage, oral favors, and other foreplay activities. It is best to use a small amount of Sensations at first and then add more later to avoid stickiness.

Features

• This playful lubricant gets warm when you rub it and hot when you blow on it.
•  Available in a number of exciting flavors derived from natural ingredients.
• Can be used for oral favors and lovemaking.
• Sugar free.
• Safe to use with polyurethane condoms.

• Up to four months’ worth of product.

Pure Romance - Sweet Seduction Sweet Seduction

Slip into Sweet Seduction lubricant! This silky, slippery, water based lubricant flows generously to prepare your pleasure zones for a blissfully comfortable experience, whether you’re having fun with a partner or a toy. The lubricant is made of high quality ingredients that are long lasting and provide a mild, naturally sweet taste. 4 oz. $15
SWEET MINT, ORIGINAL OR VANILLA

Directions

To use Sweet Seduction, squeeze a dime-sized amount of the product onto the fingers and apply either to the vagina, onto the toy, or onto a partner’s penis prior to sexual activity (more lubricant can always be added as needed).

Features

• Water-soluble lubricant.
• Premium ingredients give naturally sweet taste.
• Safe to use with latex condoms and bedroom toys.
• Slippery and long lasting.
• Does not stain.
• All-natural ingredients.
• Original formula is fragrance free.
• Approximately three months’ worth of product.

List Price: $30.00

Sound like something you’re interested in winning?! I thought so!

Here’s all you have to do:

Comment here and tell me when your anniversary is and what you’re planning to do make it spicy.

Tweet this giveaway: “@highimpactmom I want to have a spicy Valentine’s with Pure Romance! #PRomance” and then comment here again.

It really is that easy!  Now go on! Comment! You know you want to!

Disclosure: I received all of the above reviewed items from Global Influence and Pure Romance so I could try these fabulous products out and share them with you.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Cards Direct Giveaway {CLOSED}

**Congratulations Angela Holt!! You are the winner!** This contest is now closed.

I don’t mean to scare you, but Christmas is only 3 ½ months away and Jewish holidays start today.

Ok. I’ll give you a minute to pick yourself off the ground before I start again.

Are you ready?

Good.

One of my favorite things to do each year is send out holiday cards. I may not always have the money to be able to afford buying gifts for everyone in our family, but I always try to send a card to our friends and family to let them know we’re thinking of them and wish them a happy holiday. Each year I scour the internet for my favorite Christmas card or just the right Holiday Card (for my friends who don’t celebrate Christmas) and each year I get frustrated by the lack of originality. But this year, thanks to Global Influence, I found CardsDirect.

CardsDirect offers a variety of Christmas Cards, Holiday Cards, and Photo Cards to fit your needs. My personal favorite are the Christmas Photo Cards since I can add my favorite family photo and have a fantastic personalized card to send to our closest family and friends.

About Cards Direct

CardsDirect offers the very best in personalized greeting cards for business or personal use. Over 2,000 card designs are available in categories that include holiday cards, birthday cards, thank you cards, photo cards, baby shower invitations, birth announcements and many more! With free personalization and custom imprinted verse, CardsDirect offers an easy online ordering process and top quality cards with the best selection, customer service and pricing found anywhere.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite cards offered at CardsDirect.

Christmas Cards

Hanukkah Card

Christmas Photo Card

Still freaking out just a little bit about the Holiday’s fast approaching? Well, calm down! Thanks to Global Influence and Cards Direct, I can offer you the opportunity to win a $50 gift code to be redeemed for up to 25 cards!

Giveaway only open to US addresses due to shipping policies with the company.

Here’s what you need to do to win:

Head over to CardsDirect‘s website and look around. Come back here and comment on this post what your favorite card design is.

This contest will close and the winner will be randomly chosen on September 30, 2010 at midnight. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I was offered the opportunity to do giveaway with Cards Direct through Global Influence and in return was given a $50 gift code to use at Cards Direct.

Review and Giveaway: Elmo’s Animal Adventures (CLOSED)

Review_Animal_Adventures Join Elmo on three animal packed adventures in Elmo’s Animal Adventures! First up help Elmo and Telly as they follow clues in their search for Little Bo Peep’s lost cow.  Then, you and your little one can use animal facts to help Elmo and your favorite fairy-in-training Abby Cadabby win the “The Find the Amphibian” game show.  Finally go camping with Elmo in the wilderness and help him learn how animals and little monsters are different.

As I expected, KJ loved this movie and surprisingly KG sat and enjoyed the whole thing too!  This movie gave me 46 minutes of quiet to get the dishes done and the laundry folded! It was great! To help KJ understand the concept and provide a little extra learning we took a trip to the local library and checked out some books on animals and their habitats.  After we read them we discussed how each animal was different and that although we are all different we all still need water, food, and a safe place to sleep.

I love knowing that when I sit KJ (and KG) in front of a Sesame Street movie I can be confident the content is appropriate and not “brain dribble”.  I’m thankful for these moments when I get some peace to pick up the house…or just drink a cup of coffee and I don’t have to feel guilty..much :)   Released on October 6, Elmo’s Animal Adventures would make a great Christmas gift for a small person in your life, it’s Elmo…it’s sure to please!

To help you get a jump start on the perfect Elmo DVD for your little one, Genius Products will be giving away 3 copies of Elmo’s Animal Adventures to my lucky readers! Are you ready to win? Here’s all you have to do!

Entry: 10/10-10/24

Winner will be chosen at random by Random.org at midnight 10/24.

* Comment on this post and tell me what is your favorite animal and why.

*Subscribe to High Impact Mom’s RSS feed.

Bonus Entries:

*Tweet this contest. Just be sure to include @HighImpactMom and http://tinyurl.com/yfvlwxc in your tweet.

*Blog about this contest and link back to this review.

That’s it! Good Luck and Happy Winning!

Disclosure: Genius Products sent my family a copy of Elmo’s Animal Adventures DVD to review. I will be keeping the DVD as their way of saying thank you. I received no other reimbursement. My opinion was not swayed or colored by this fact.  Please feel free to view my disclosure policy.

e.l.f. Makeup Giveaway (CLOSED)

I am so excited to announce I will be participating with Collective Bias’ revolutionary “Speed Dating” at Blog World Expo next month! Thanks to this amazing opportunity, I also have the opportunity to offer you an amazing giveaway!

Boy, you guys are sure lucky! Thanks to e.l.f. and Collective Bias,  I have the opportunity of give a huge kit of fabulous New e.l.f. makeup (retail: $40.00 each) to of my readers!  These kits are amazing!!

Here’s the skinny(or in this case the not so skinny) on the makeup kits:

Large Makeup Kit

Large Makeup Kit

Large Includes:
-84 eyeshadow shades
-36 lip gloss shades
-6 blush shades
-4 concealers
-4 shimmer cream shades
-4 bronzer shades
-1 face brush
-1 lip brush
-1 duo eyeshadow applicator

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/images/dimensions.gif
Large Closed: 10.75″ L x 5.25″W x 1.4″H

Large Open: 24.5″L x 6.5″W x 1.4″H

To purchase a set like this in a department store would cost you upwards of $100+!  It could be  all yours just for entering my little giveaway!

For those of you who don’t know anything about e.l.f. let me give you a little insight on e.l.f.’s philosophy.

e.l.f.’s philosophy is that beauty comes from within and it’s our goal to enable every woman to look and feel her personal best through the perfect blend of both the inner and outer person. With that goal in mind, e.l.f. cosmetics was born – a line of simple, luxurious, problem-solution tools that allow you to showcase and believe in your unique, personal beauty. Our cosmetics are designed to improve and accentuate the individual, not hide her away.

We at e.l.f. believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget.

Huh.  Wow! Now that’s a philosophy that I can get behind!

SO I bet you’re wondering what it is you have to do to win this awesome set huh?

Enter Now!

Head over to e.l.f, check out all their fabulous makeup and products, then head over here and comment on which one of their awesome products was your favorite!

Extra Entries:

(You MUST comment separately to say each method)

  • *One bonus entry per day: Tweet “Win a Large e.l.f. Makeup Kit from @HighImpactMom! http://tinyurl.com/ns34s9 ” Retweets don’t count.
  • *One bonus entry: Adding High Impact Mom to your blogroll.
  • *One bonus entry: Subscribing to High Impact Mom
  • *One bonus entry: Friend High Impact Mom on Facebook
  • *One bonus entry: Add High Impact Mom’s Button to your blog/website

Rules:

  • *Contest is open to all U.S. residents where legal under local statutes.
  • *Void where prohibited.
  • *No purchase necessary.
  • *Valid email address required. Entries with email addresses visible to the public will be deleted and are not valid.
  • *Valid entries will be received beginning Sunday, September 20, 2009 thru 11:59pm Friday, September 25, 2009.
  • *Winner will be selected at random based on the list of valid comments using random.org.
  • *Winner will be notified via their email address and have 3 days to respond to the email from amanda(at)highimpactmom(dot)com

Good Luck! Happy Winning!

Don’t forget to enter one of our great giveaways we have going on this week!

Disclosure: e.l.f. is a sponsor at the CollectiveBias Brands & Bloggers Speed Dating event at BlogWorld Expo – this post is uncompensated, but product for the post (&/or contest) was provided to the blogger at no cost.  All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are the blogger’s and were not influenced nor reviewed by the company prior to posting.

Make A Day Better for A Special Teacher in Your Life (CLOSED)

RobertBlackMagnetSchool_Chicago_JenniferJacobs Hey ya’ll! I’m so excited to be able to bring the “Make A Day Better For  A Special Teacher in Your Life” contest to you!  I am honored to be participating in Office Max’s Max Mom’s program, because of this program I am able to give you (my readers) the chance to bless a special teacher/school in your life.  I hope each one of you participates and helps to spread the word about Make A Day Better!  *Please note, I have not be reimbursed for my involvement in this program or giveaway.*

Did you know teachers spend an average of $1200 of their own money on classroom supplies each year? That’s $4 billion annually! That’s why OfficeMax joined with Adopt-A-Classroom to create “A Day Made Better“—a national cause event founded to erase teacher-funded classrooms. This year, “A Day Made Better” will take place on October 6 where 1,000 teachers will be surprised in their classrooms each with $1,000 worth of essential supplies from OfficeMax. That’s more than one million dollars donated to help teachers! Principals at needy schools nominated the teachers for demonstrating dedication, innovation, and passion.

To pay-it-forward, OfficeMax and Mom It Forward have teamed up to create awareness about the issue of teacher-funded classrooms and to give you the opportunity to get involved and help a teacher in your community on behalf of the “A Day Made Better.” Here’s how…

Simply nominate a teacher of your choice to win this giveaway by following the entry requirements. Be sure to check out the prize and criteria!

Prize

One exceptional teacher will receive a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR gift card to OfficeMax. This can go a long way when it comes to classroom supplies!

Criteria

This is a giveaway that is meant to be given away. What does that mean? You get to nominate a teacher by sharing why this person is exceptional and deserving of this giveaway. The best part, every story told helps raise awareness in an effort to erase teacher-funded classrooms. The winning teacher will be chosen based on the following criteria, so be sure to tell us Frances S. Tucker Elem_YaliSalazar(2) why your teacher is most deserving:

  • Dedication: does everything in his/her power to deliver the best possible education for his/her students.
  • Innovation: thinks outside the box and engages his/her students through creative learning activities & programs.
  • Passion: expresses a genuine passion for education and shares this enthusiasm in the classroom.
  • Need: demonstrates a need for essential classroom supplies.

Entry Requirements

To enter your teacher, you are required to do two things.

(Note: post a separate comment for each entry.)

1. Nominate them through a comment, blog post, or on Whrrl.

Write a comment or post on your blog.

  • You can include photos, video, etc. but please stay under 400 words or 3 minutes.
  • Please include these links: http://adaymadebetter.com or @adaymadebetter.
  • Include a link to your post in the comments section.

OR

Create a story on Whrrl.com.

  • Go to our custom Whrrl page at http://whrrl.com/search?q=omx, click “Start A Story” and upload photos and text about why your teacher is most deserving.
  • Be sure to include the #omx hashtag in the text of your story.
  • Post a link to your Whrrl story in the comments section.

2. Post these messages on Facebook and/or Twitter.

(Note: Be sure to leave comments here with links to your messages.)
  • Teachers spend avg $1200 of own $$ on school supplies annually! Help erase teacher-funded classrooms. http://bit.ly/3VUNvC PLS RT #omx
  • Nominate a teacher 2 win $100 in OfficeMax classroom supplies. Enter here: http://tinyurl.com/l67uuy PLS RT #omx
  • Join the “A Day Made Better” movement to end teacher-funded classrooms at http://bit.ly/UJ3LF #omx

More than 30 sites are participating in this campaign between now and Sunday, October 4. Visit http://momitforward.com for a list of all the giveaways! You may enter a different teacher on every site, but you may only win once!

Thanks so much for helping pay-it-forward to teachers in your community! Please join us on Tuesdays, September 22 and 29 from 9 to 11 pm ET for Girls Night Out (#gno) on Twitter if you’d like to meet the team behind the cause: @officemax, @adaymadebetter and @Adopt_Classroom. Hope to see you there!

Fine Print

Entries are due Sunday, October 4 by midnight PDT. No purchase necessary to enter. Winners will be selected by me based on the entry that in my opinion meets the above criteria. OfficeMax, Adopt-A-Classroom and Mom It Forward play no part in choosing the winner of this giveaway. OfficeMax, Adopt-A-Classroom, and Mom It Forward employees are ineligible to enter. In a spirit of fairness, my personal friends and family members are also ineligible. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. The winner will be notified and have 24 hours to confirm receipt of the email. If no response is received within 24 hours, another winner will be selected. Open to participants in the U.S. 18 years and older.

The Studio: Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Recently I was offered the opportunity to create and review a gorgeous custom made sign from The Studio which I personalized myself on their easy to navigate website.  Since we’ve only lived in our home a year and the walls are a bit lacking when it comes to decoration I jumped at the chance!

I immediately headed over to The Studio and started designing my custom sign.  After deciding the size and shape of the sign I wanted, I had to decide what I wanted it to say.  For me this was the most difficult part, there were so many great suggested verses and quotes, but we finally came up with Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord & has made the Lord his hope and confidence.”  After that it was just approve, submit, and ship!  I received my sign in record time!

The Studio Review and Giveaway Here it is hanging above the doorway leading into the Living Room!

The Studio has a variety of custom signs and frames to choose from and personalize at a great price!  All the work and supplies come straight from the USA!  One-tenth of pre-tax operational profit goes to investing in mostly non-profits that benefit their community of Trinidad, Colorado (way to make an impact on your community!).

I urge to to learn more about The Studio and Danielson Designs!!

The Studio has offered my readers a $10 discount for a limited time, just use the promo code HIGHIMPACT when checking out!

But that’s not all! 1 lucky reader will win their very own personalized custom sign from The Studio!

Enter Now!

Head over to The Studio, check out all their great signs and frames, then head over here and comment on what was your favorite!

Extra Entries:

(You MUST comment separately to say each method)

  • *One bonus entry per day: Tweet “Win a Custom Personalized Sign or Frame for Your Home! http://tinyurl.com/nqhpft” Retweets don’t count.
  • *One bonus entry: Adding High Impact Mom to your blogroll.
  • *One bonus entry: Subscribing to High Impact Mom
  • *One bonus entry: Friend High Impact Mom on Facebook
  • *One bonus entry: Add High Impact Mom’s Button to your blog/website

Rules:

  • *Contest is open to all U.S. residents where legal under local statutes.
  • *Void where prohibited.
  • *No purchase necessary.
  • *Valid email address required. Entries with email addresses visible to the public will be deleted and are not valid.
  • *Valid entries will be received beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2009 thru 11:59pm Friday, September 18, 2009.
  • *Winner will be selected at random based on the list of valid comments using random.org.
  • *Winner will be notified via their email address and have 3 days to respond to the email from amanda(at)highimpactmom(dot)com

Good Luck! Happy Winning!

Don’t forget to enter one of our great giveaways we have going on this week!

Disclosure: My family received a personalized customized sign for our home in exchange for the review and giveaway.