Novica is an amazing site with so many amazing products.  I was contacted and asked if I wanted to review something from their site. Having never heard of Novica before I headed over to browse and immediately knew this was a site I wanted to help get the word out about.   What is Novica?

It’s a place to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.  At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.  We want you to know about who you’re buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.  In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together. NOVICA. The World is Your Market. (taken from site)

As I browsed around I was amazed at these products by people from around the world.  With so many things from home decor to beautiful necklaces I knew it was going to be a tough choice.  I finally decided on one of their handbags.  I am sure that is not a big surprise to those who know me.  When the package arrived I was so excited I tore right into it, but not before snapping a few pictures of how pretty the wrapping was and seeing the handwritten thank you post card in both english and the designers native language.

Here is a little better shot of the purse so you can see the beauty and detail:

I just love this bag, it’s so summery and the room in it, let’s just say there is a ton of room.  I love roomy purses.  I tried to get the link so you could go order it for yourself if you wanted but I could not find it on the site anymore.  However it took me quite a long time to narrow down to this purse so I am pretty sure you will be able to find something for yourself.

Whether you are looking for a handbag, jewelry, home decor, paintings, or even clothing over at Novica you are sure to find something beautiful and unique.  These items are made from artisans around the world so you are getting some of the persons culture when you buy from them.  I just love that.

Now let’s get to the fun part.  When I was contacted I was offered a $150 gift card  to use on the site  for myself but after seeing the items over there I couldn’t not share it with my readers so I instead broke it up into two $75.00 ones.  One for myself so I could get the above item to review and one to giveaway.  I really want one of my readers to be able to enjoy something from Novica. Tomorrow is my 31st birthday (July 31) and for my birthday I am giving you all a present LOL.

WIN IT

One Reader will win a $75.00 gift card to Novica to pick any item they want.  If the total (with shipping) is equal to or less than the gift card amount you pay nothing, if it is more you pay the difference.

Required Entry

Head over to Novica and let me know something that catches your eye.  THIS IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE DONE TO QUALIFY (or before doing any of the extra entries)

Extra Entries *The below entries are completely optional, above required entry must be done for these to count*:

1 Entry Each :

• Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon (in sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar)
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect (in sidebar)
• Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name)
• Like A Daily Dose on Facebook
• Follow A Daily Dose on Facebook Networked Blogs.
• Follow @Novica on twitter.
• Fan Novica on Facebook.

5 Entries: Blog about this contest with a link back to this post.  Leave url in comment.

DAILY  (optional) ENTRIES :  Tweet the following message as many times as you like daily : ” Win a $75 gift card to @novica http://bit.ly/cyGxjv from @totally_toni “  Please leave tweet url in your comment.

Giveaway will close on August 21 at 8:00 p.m. CST.

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

Disclosure:  Review and Giveaway items are given by the company or pr firm on behalf of the company.  I was given a gift card to purchase an item from the above site for sole purpose of reviewing the product.  Reception of product does not influence my views and as always they are honest and 100% my own.  No other form of compensation was received for this review.

Thanks to Mom Central I had the chance to review 3 stories from My Living Stories.  Let me preface by saying, I am connected all the time and when I am not playing with my iPhone my kids are.  They come by it naturally I guess.  Whether they are playing with the voice recorder (cool app that changes your voice), Talking Tom (an app that records your voice and the tom cat speaks what you said) or playing red ball (which they can master and I can not) my kids love to play on my phone.  Sometimes it’s hard for me to find an app that appeals to all 3 of my kids and My Living Stories has done just that.

Before I continue on let me tell you a little about My Living Stories (taken from their site):

Living Stories animated storybooks bring new and classic children’s tales to life on your iPhone™ or iPod® Touch. Living Stories combine beautiful art, narration, interactive features and compelling stories. Even better, Living Stories are easy-to-use for kids, allowing preschoolers to read along on their own, without any help.

Living Stories are the perfect way to entertain kids and to help them learn to read, whether you are at home or on-the-go!

We received 3 stories to try out. King Midas, The Princess and The Pea, as well as The Tortoise & The Hare.  Three classic stories that I loved when I was growing up except I didn’t have the cool way to read (or have it read to me) like my kids do.  There are several ways to experience the stories:

• You can have the story read to you with the pre-recorded voice
• Just play the background music so the learning readers can read it and practice
• Or you can record your own (or your child’s) voice to read the story and make it a bit more personalized. I have to say I LOVE the record option.  When I am gone on a trip this will be perfect for my kids so they can listen to me read them the story (from my husbands phone of course).

You can have the stories read to you in English or for a little culture, French.  My Living Stories has taken stories from my childhood and made them into more than just a book.  They have made it fun for kids as well as helping the kids who are beginner readers to enjoy reading.  I mean just think of the spark of proudness in their eye when they hear themselves reading the story.

Toni’s  Final Thoughts: I would love to see My Living Stories incorporate other languages in addition to the French and English. Otherwise this is a great app for kids (non-readers, beginners and experienced) and it is definitely Daily Dose Approved.

GIVEAWAY

One Reader will win a $25.00 iTunes Gift Card.

REQUIRED ENTRY

Leave a comment telling me which story from the My Living Stories iTunes Page you are most excited to share with a child. *Must be done to qualify AND before any extra entry can be done.

Extra Entries *The below entries are completely optional, above required entry must be done for these to count*:

1 Entry Each :

• Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon (in sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar)
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect (in sidebar)
• Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name)
• Like A Daily Dose on Facebook
• Follow A Daily Dose on Facebook Networked Blogs.

5 Entries: Blog about this contest with a link back to this post.  Leave url in comment.

DAILY  (optional) ENTRIES :  Tweet the following message as many times as you like daily : Win a $25 iTunes Gift Card from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/aRhxDZ #mylivingstories. Please leave tweet url in your comment.

PLEASE NOTE: This giveaway is open to Canadians.  Readers may enter the contest on multiple blogs but are only eligible to win one iTunes gift card as part of the My Living Stories contest per Mom Central.

Giveaway will close on August 3 at 3:00 p.m. CST.

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

I am participating in the My Living Stories program by Mom Central on behalf of Decode Entertainment. I received 3 free apps and a gift card as a thank you for my participation and giveaway item provided by above mentioned as well.  No other form of compensation was given and opinions as always are honest and my own.

Have you wanted to be a master of make-up but feel like some looks are just too hard?  I am with you on that.  Now don’t get me wrong I can do some makeup and love to get glammed up but one thing I could never ever do was the smokey eye look.  Thanks to Cover Girl & Collective Bias a few months ago I had the chance to fall in love with easy smokey eyes.  In my “I Adore Cover Girl’s Smokey Eye” post you can see exactly why I love the kits (yes I was even brave enough to do a video tutorial).

With 3 looks to choose from you are sure to find just the right one for your daily style, date night or girls night out.  The kits come in 3 different looks while you can buy single smokey eye sticks in several colors.  With the kits you can choose from Natural, in my opinion it’s best for that daily smokey eye.  Bold, which would be great for a girls night out, the blues are so vibrant.  Last in the kit is Glamorous, great for a date night when you are going to be in that little black dress or some other hot ensemble.

The Smokey Eye Kits as well as the single smokey eye slick sticks make the smokey eye look achievable by anyone makeup pro or not.  The kit comes with the slick stick, liquid liner and mascara to complete the smokey eye look.  As someone who always looked like she got punched in the face when she tried to do any kind of smokey eye look I can assure you Cover Girl makes the Smokey Eye Look much easier to achieve.

WIN IT:

One (1) Daily Dose reader has the chance to win a $20 Walmart Gift Card so they can go get a Smokey Eye Kit to try for themselves.

Required Entry:
Leave a comment telling me which Smokey Eye Kit (Natural, Glamorous, or Bold) you are looking forward to trying. *This entry MUST be done to qualify and for any extra entry to count*

Extra Entries *The below entries are completely optional, above required entry must be done for these to count*:

1 Entry Each :

• Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon (in sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar)
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect (in sidebar)
• Leave a comment on my Smokey Eye Review post and let me know you did.
• Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name)
• Like A Daily Dose on Facebook
• Follow A Daily Dose on Facebook Networked Blogs.

DAILY  (optional) ENTRIES :

• Tweet the following message as many times as you like daily : Win a $20 Walmart Gift Card from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/cM8COe #SmokeyEyes. Please leave tweet url in your comment.

Giveaway will close on July 31 at 9:00 p.m. CST.

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

“Product for this giveaway is provided by company or pr firm representing the company.  I received a Cover Girl Make-Up Master Kit as well.  No monetary compensation was received for this post, opinions as always are my own.”

On July 9th Despicable Me was released to a theater near you.  Now my children and I have not had a chance to see it yet due to being on vacation and no time.  However this weekend we are planning on loading up to the theater (when dad can come of course) and seeing the movie. Here is a synopsis of the movie:

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universal’s new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

And a clip that I absolutely adore “It’s SO FLUFFY” to give you a little teaser:

Makes me giggle everytime I see that clip and the little girl says “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die”. Can not wait to see the movie. Because of the movie release I have a giveaway of a Despicable Me movie pack for two of my readers.

WIN IT

Two (2) Winners will receive:
Youth Shirt
Youth Hat
Moo-Can (it moos!)
Pencil with Minion Topper
Balloon
Minion Ink Stamp

REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment telling me if you are taking your kids to see Despicable Me. That’s all you have to do to enter but it is required and must be done before any extra entries are allowed.

Extra Entries *The below entries are completely optional, above required entry must be done for these to count*:

1 Entry Each :

• Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon (in sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar)
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect (in sidebar)
• Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name)
• Like A Daily Dose on Facebook
• Follow A Daily Dose on Facebook Networked Blogs.
• Fan Despicable Me on facebook.

DAILY  (optional) ENTRIES :

• Tweet the following message as many times as you like daily “Enter to win one of two Despicable Me Movie prize packs from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/agFP7n “. Please leave tweet url in your comment.

Giveaway will close on July 29 at 3:00 p.m. CST.

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

“Product for this giveaway is provided by company or pr firm representing the company.  No monetary compensation was received for this post, opinions as always are my own.”

As you may recall a few days ago I posted all about American Girls Shine On Now Program in a post titled “American Girl Starts Shine On Now: A Great Way to Give Back“.  I am a proud parent partner of this program that is teaching young girls all about giving back and making it fun as well.

Being a Parent Partner I get to giveaway one of the soon to be released My American Girl doll.  The My American Girl will be available for purchase starting July 13 as well.  What is the My American Girl doll?  It’s a fully customizable American Girl doll where you get to pick the hair color, length, eye color, skin color, even things such as glasses, braces and of course outfits and accessories so your daughter can have the American girl she created.

Also as part of the new My American Girl launch, American Girl created Innerstar University, a site where your child can have fun with the girl she created.  She will be able to play games, take quizzes all sorts of activities to help boost confidence and strength.  The My American Girl will come with an individual code that she can use to register and make her way around Innerstar University.  So the doll your child creates will come to life and they can interact all around Innerstar University.

GIVEAWAY

As part of the Parent Partners I have ONE (1) My American Girl doll to giveaway to one of my readers.  American Girl wants to give back to those girls who are making a difference in others lives.

Main Entry

Nominate a girl in your community who you think would love to receive her very own My American Girl doll.  Simply tell me why she inspires you.  Please do not mention names of the children in your comment.  THIS IS THE REQUIRED ENTRY AND MUST BE DONE TO QUALIFY OR BEFORE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES CAN BE COMPLETED!

Extra Entries *The below entries are completely optional, above required entry must be done for these to count*:

1 Entry Each :

• Head over to my Shine On Now post and leave a comment on it.
• Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon in my sidebar
• Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar)
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect (in sidebar)
• Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name)
• Like A Daily Dose on Facebook
• Follow A Daily Dose on Facebook Networked Blogs.
• Follow @AGShineOnNow on twitter.
• Fan Shine On Now on facebook and let them know A Daily Dose of Toni sent ya.
• Head over to Shine On Now and have your daughter sign up so she is ready to go on the July 13 launch.

DAILY  (optional) ENTRIES :

• Tweet the following message as many times as you like daily ”My American Girl Doll Giveaway from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/aijlEz #ShineOnNow”. Please leave tweet url in your comment.
• Starting July 13, have your daughter donate the hundred stars daily on Shine On Now to help reach the million stars mark. Leave a comment each day your daughter does this for an extra entry.

Giveaway will close on July 31 at 8:00 p.m. CST.

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

“American Girl will send me free product samples as a part of my partnership in the Shine On Now™ program. The opinions posted here are my own and not influenced in any way. No monetary compensation was given for this post.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED, WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED SOON

Jewelry and myself seem to get along grand.  I love shiny pretty things so when I was asked if I would like to do a review and giveaway of FantasyJewelryBox.com it wasn’t a decision I had to mull over.  Having a chance to review an item from their site as well as give one away was the easy part.  After saying yes I had to decide what I wanted to review this was the not so easy part.

Did I want the sparkle to come from my earrings?  Or would a shiny ring make a better choice?  I do love me some bracelets too.  And what girl doesn’t need a necklace to go with her outfits?  Or maybe I will pick out something from their men’s line?  Err, scratch that last thought.

So what’s a girl to do when hundreds upon hundreds of pretty shinies are in front of her?  Start looking around and make a list so after the original item comes she gets to give the “want list” to her family for her upcoming birthday.  After literally looking around for a couple hours and narrowing it down to a few different option that I literally could not choose between, I emailed the 5 links to the contact and let them surprise me.  What did I end up with you ask?

Isn’t it “purty”?  I was excited so about this piece called Polly’s Fancy Large CZ Cross & Crown Necklace is because of the design.  I am a christian and I loved the cross and crown on the pendant.  Will I always wear this as a necklace, not sure.  I think it will also make a great charm for a charm bracelet.  When I opened the package I was shocked into silence for a few minutes over the beauty of this piece of jewelry.  No matter how I wear it, it will be worn often because it is beautiful.

With so many things to choose from FantasyJewelryBox.com is a great place to find gifts, jewelry to complete that outfit (for him or her) and great sales.  So head over today and find that perfect item for yourself or someone else.  BUT WAIT before you do, enter to win item of your choice here!

WIN IT

FantasyJewelryBox.com is giving away a $35.00 item of winners choice from their site.

Required Entry:

To enter to win head over to FantasyJewelryBox.com and look around and leave a comment here telling me what you want if you win.  Very simple and that’s all you have to do to enter.  THIS IS THE REQUIRED ENTRY AND MUST BE DONE TO QUALIFY OR BEFORE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES.

Extra (optional) Entries:

1 Entry Each:

• Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon in my sidebar
• Subscribe to my blog through email (sidebar)
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect (sidebar)
• Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name)
• Like A Daily Dose on Facebook
• Follow A Daily Dose on Facebook Networked Blogs.
• Subscribe FantasyJewelryBox.Com newsletter.
• Follow FantasyJewelryBox on Twitter.
• Fan FantasyJewelryBox on Facebook.

DAILY *extra* ENTRIES (unlimited):  Tweet the following message as many times as you like daily “Jewelry Giveaway from @totally_toni  http://bit.ly/9frrbv ends July 18″. Please leave tweet url in your comment.

Giveaway will close on Sunday July 18 at 7:00 p.m. CST.

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

*I received the product for sole purpose of reviewing from the company or pr firm on behalf of the company.  Product(s) being given away in this post are provided by the company or the pr firm on behalf of the company.  Reception of product does not influence my views and no monetary compensation was received for this post. Opinions are always my own

]]> http://juststopscreaming.com/2010/06/jewelry-giveaway-review/feed 351 http://juststopscreaming.com/2010/06/philips-norelco-electric-razors-makeover http://juststopscreaming.com/2010/06/philips-norelco-electric-razors-makeover#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:42:07 +0000 Toni http://juststopscreaming.com/?p=4479

You see he needed a bit of a makeover. Now recently myself along with about 9 other bloggers were chosen to be part of the Makeover Your Man project with Philips Norelco. The Mission: Get an electric razor and new threads and give our man a makeover. Out with the stubble and boring clothes, in with the smooth face and dapper duds. I knew this was going to be so much fun and my husband definitely deserved it. So how did it go? Rather than tell you I will just show you. If you want to see it strictly picture style check out my whrrl:

Make Over My Man Whrrl The story in pictures.(sorry can’t get it to embed here, so just click the link to get to it)

However if you are more of a video kind of person well we have that too:

Makeover Your Man with Philips Norelco from Toni Patton on Vimeo.

Now you see we had a blast doing the Makeover and I was SUPPOSED to video him using the razor, in fact I made sure to remind him of that while we were shopping that sometime the next day I would video him at least a clip or two using the razor. He said okay. In comes Sunday, he runs to pick up some shoes and to see a movie, the kids and I grocery shop and then I go to the movie and what does he do while I am at the movie..uses the razor! Because we work opposite shifts this was the only day I could video him using it so I didn’t get. Because I didn’t get to record him now he gets to be interviewed about the razor on camera…my form of punishment bwahaha.

So how did he like the Philips Norelco 7310 that he got? Well watch to find out.

Overall the new razor worked well and caused less initial irritation than his disposables. Over time with only having to buy new replacements every six months and no shaving cream at all money will be saved. His face is smooth, his clothes are snazzy overall I would say this makeover challenge was defeated by US! Makeover Challenge…complete! To keep up with myself and the other participants and see much more about this project head over to Shave New World.

WIN IT: I have a year’s worth of replacement heads for your Philips Norelco Electric Razor (2 heads as they are replaced every six months) to give away to one of my readers.  Make sure your mans face stays smooth all year round.

Required Entry: Leave a comment telling me which shaver heads you will need. Please note this is not for a shaver but the replacement heads so you will either need to already own or purchase the shaver of your choice.  This is required and MUST be done to enter!

Extra (optional) Entries:

• 1  Entry: Leave a comment telling me what you thought of my makeover post (the one you are reading).
• Daily Entries: Tweet about this giveaway ONCE daily using: Win a year’s worth of electric razor replacement heads from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/dbPEqn #dailydosegiveaways #NorelcoMakeover. Please leave tweet url in comment.
• 5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave the post url in your comment.
• Unlimited Entries: Comment on any NON-GIVEAWAY post for unlimited entries. One entry for each post you comment on.

Giveaway will close on June 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. CST

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

*Disclaimer: I was provided with $400 in gift cards to purchase the razor and clothing from Collective Bias. Opinions as always are my own and no other compensation was given for this post.  Product for giveaway is provided by the company or firm on behalf of the company.

I was contacted and asked if  I would like to share a wonderful contest going on with 8th Continent Soy Milk.  As a fan of soy milk I was intrigued to learn more.  Upon finding out the ins and outs I knew this was definitely something I wanted to share with my readers.    8th Coninent Soy Milk has a contest going on right now called “Draw Your Own Sun” going on.  What is the Draw Your Own Sun Contest?  Hold on a second I am getting to that right this moment.

About the Draw Your Own Sun Contest:

• Children five years and older can submit their own sun-inspired artwork at www.8thcontinent.com
• Entries can also be created online through an interactive drawing tool at www.8thcontinent.com
• Contest participants can submit one artwork entry per day through 11:59 pm EST on June 12, 2010
• All design submissions will be featured on www.8thcontinent.com in an online gallery where the public can vote for their favorite work of art
• The number of public votes in the online gallery will determine 50 contest winners and a panel of judges selected by Stremicks Heritage Food will determine an additional 50 winners
• The 100 winners will each be recognized with $1,000 in art supplies for their school art programs – for a grand total of $100,000!
• Winning designs may also be featured on 8th Continent soymilk cartons beginning this fall!

Isn’t that an amazing contest, just think what $1,000 of art supplies can do for your child’s school!  So hurry and enter that giveaway over at 8th Continent Soy Milk’s site.  However I also have a giveaway on behalf of 8th Continent to have here on my blog as well.

Before I get into that I want to share a little about 8th Continent Soy Milk.  I am a mom who if possible prefers milk that is not regular due to hormones in the cows.  I always preferred organic.  I had never tried any kind of soy milk due to fears of strange taste, my kids (and admittedly myself) are very picky with milk.  I’ll admit I played it safe and picked up the vanilla flavor to start with.  My daughter loves “coffee milk” meaning milk with some vanilla creamer.  Well as much as she drinks it organic wasn’t cost efficient aside the creamer cost.  So I figured we would try the vanilla flavored soy and see how she reacted.  As I held my breath while she sipped, she looked at me and said “Mmm coffee milk”.  I am sure she noticed a difference but it was still yummy to her so it was a win/win!

About 8th Continent Soymilk:

• 8th Continent soymilk is made from U.S.-grown soybeans, and is an excellent source of calcium.
• It is the only American Heart Association-certified soymilk with less than 3 grams of fat.
• 8th Continent soymilk is available in four different varieties: complete, regular, light, and fat free.
*All 8th Continent soymilks are lactose free, vegan, and Kosher U certified.

WIN IT: One reader will win a Rise and Shine Art Box filled with the following goodies. Crayons, colored pencils, sketch paper pad, coupon for a free carton of 8th Continent soymilk, a cereal bowl, and a box of Barbara’s Bakery Puffins cereal (art box contents may vary).

REQUIRED ENTRY: Head over to 8th Continent and tell me one of the recipes you would love to try if you win this giveaway with the soy milk.  (THIS IS MANDATORY and must be done for any extra entry to count)

Extra (optional) Entries:

• 1 Entry Each: Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon in my sidebar~ Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar) ~ Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)~ Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name) ~ Like A Daily Dose on Facebook ~Follow A Daily Dose on Networked Blogs.
• Daily Entries: Tweet about this giveaway ONCE daily using: Win A Rise & Shine Art Box from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/9YKLp7 #dailydosegiveaways. Please leave tweet url in comment.
• 5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave the post url in your comment.
• Unlimited Entries: Comment on any NON-GIVEAWAY post for unlimited entries. One entry for each post you comment on.

Giveaway will close on June 15, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. CST

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

*Product(s) being given away in this post are provided by the company or the pr firm on behalf of the company.  I received an art box similar to the one I am giving away.  Reception of product does not influence my views and no monetary compensation was received for this post.

Giveaway is now closed.  Winner to be announced soon

The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox is a story of a 12 year old ordinary girl who does the extraordinary.  Friendship, trials, evil, good, fantasy this book has all the workings that anyone 10 years old and above will love.  With writings in detail that  you can picture them yourself and a story line for any age to learn from, The Magic Warble is definitely a book that will be read over and over by myself and my oldest son.

A little teaser from the book:

You sure are tarnished, and I must say very unusual, with your mysterious sound. I bet that you used to be beautiful, shiny silver.” While rolling the ball around on the palm of her hand, she noticed that it was perfectly smooth and seamless. “How peculiar.  I wonder how that annoying sound got inside of you.” As she held her hand directly in the moonlight, the ball suddenly began to get very warm. She swirled it around on her palm a few times, and then clasped her hand tightly shut around it. All of a sudden, it turned scorching hot. “Ouch!” she yelled, dropping it and shaking her hand to relieve the pain.  The ball bounced once and then a second time, right into her clothes closet. She quickly went over to the closet, hoping to find it on the floor, but when she couldn’t see it anywhere, she realized that it must have gone down the laundry chute.”

With possession of the “ball” otherwise later known as The Magic Warble, Krsitina, an ordinary girl becomes extraordinary.  A girl who feels like very unpopular at her school is suddenly thrown into a magical world, Bernovem.  There she encounters dwarfs, fairies, talking animals (including her pet rat) and the evil Queen Sentiz.  Finally feeling like she is somewhere she fits in, she learns she is the chose one who is there to save Bernovem from the evil queen and the curse she has put on the land.   Hitting many obstacles with her new friends, Clover, Loop, Prince Werrien and many more she faces many choices on they way to go and who to trust.  Will Kristina finish the journey she was brought to Bernovem to do or will the evil Queen and the obstacles along with way be too much?

With friends, faith, decisions, The Magic Warble has a great story line and is written very well.  It kept my attention from the minute I opened it.   It’s a must read for older children with the lessons taught throughout the book.  Definitely one I will be promoting to my kids as a reading material.  Victoria did a beautiful job writing the book so that adults aren’t bored with it and that kids can understand it.

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win a copy of The Magic Warble.

Required Entry: Leave a comment telling me WHY you want to win this book.   This entry must be done to qualify and before any extra entry can count.

Extra (optional) Entries:

• 1 Entry Each: Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon in my sidebar~ Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar) ~ Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)~ Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name) ~ Like A Daily Dose on Facebook ~ Follow A Daily Dose on Networked Blogs.
• Daily Entries: Tweet about this giveaway up to TWICE daily using the following tweet: Summer Reading Giveaway from @totally_toni The Magic Warble http://bit.ly/9Q8BgJ #dailydosegiveaways . Please leave tweet url in comment.
• 5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave the post url in your comment.
• Unlimited Entries: Comment on any NON-GIVEAWAY post for unlimited entries. One entry for each post you comment on.

Giveaway will close on Wednesday June 9, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. CST

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

*Product(s) being given away in this post are provided by the company or the pr firm on behalf of the company.  I received the product in this post for the sole purpose of  reviewing the product.  Reception of product does not influence my views and no monetary compensation was received for this post.

We are a family who loves to cookout.  Whether that’s Chicken, Ribs, Steak, Hamburger…you get my drift right.  Finding a good sauce (no matter if it’s bbq or not) to use always poses a bit of a hassle as what one likes the other doesn’t and mind you I am not buying 5 different sauces.  This problem always kept us from venturing too far into the grilling/cooking with sauce.  In comes Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce and problem is solved.

When I received the bottle I opened them and took a sniff and the aroma alone was to die for (in my personal opinion).  The molasses smell combined with a bit of spiciness had my mouth watering before I even knew what to cook with it.  So because we all know I am impatient I decided to do the lick test, you know the one where you get a bit on your finger to sample the taste.  Needless to say the aroma of the sauce was definitely not misleading.  The taste was just as good, spicy with a sweetness that isn’t too strong or overpowering, well blended so you get something spicy enough for adults to enjoy and sweet enough the kids love.  It’s really a win win.

Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce is not a Barbeque sauce, however it will replace barbeque sauce for us. Although Country Bob’s does have barbecue sauce as well as spicy all purpose sauce, seasoning salt, cookbooks/gift packs and apparel.  Instead of BBQ sauce to dip our ribs/chicken in, not only will we cook with Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce but it has become our dipping sauce as well.  In addition to the incredible taste it has weeded out extra bottles in my fridge freeing up space.  Tell me that’s not a win/win.

A little about Country Bob’s (taken from the site):

In 1968 Country Bob perfected the sauce of his dreams. After years of giving the sauce to friends and family he began to sell it in 1977. The reaction was overwhelming just as it is today. Almost everyone who tries Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce becomes a lifelong user. And why not, it is the perfect complement to practically any meal set on your table.

Along with our All Purpose Sauce we have expanded our product line to include BBQ Sauce, Seasoning Salt and Spicy All Purpose Sauce.With our fully automated bottling line we also have the capability of producing Private Label products for stores or restaurants.

It would be nice if we could claim responsibility for the success of the company, however, credit must be given where credit is due. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” We have placed true ownership of Country Bob, Inc. in the hands of God. “Christ is our CEO” and  He is an Awesome Boss!

What a great company in my opinion, Christian based principles and an amazing product.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  I have used Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce on chicken, hamburgers, ribs, and more.  Not once has it disappointed myself,  my husband or my kids (who are extremely picky I might add).  It brings a new pizzaz to the foods we eat.  And you know me, I like pizzaz!

WIN IT:

Two (2) Winners will each receive one (1) bottle of Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce.

REQUIRED ENTRY: Share With Me What Food You are Most excited to try Country Bob on. This must be done to enter this giveaway and before any of the optional entries can be done!

Extra (optional) Entries:

• 1 Entry Each: Subscribe to my blog through the orange feedburner icon in my sidebar~ Subscribe to my blog through email (in sidebar) ~ Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)~ Follow @totally_toni on twitter (leave  your twitter name) ~ Like A Daily Dose on Facebook ~ Follow A Daily Dose on Networked Blogs ~ Like Country Bob’s on Facebook ~ Follow @countrybobs on twitter.
• Daily Entries: Tweet about this giveaway up to TWICE daily using the following tweet: Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce Giveaway from @totally_toni http://bit.ly/9fTL77 #dailydosegiveaways . Please leave tweet url in comment.
• 5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave the post url in your comment.
• Unlimited Entries: Comment on any NON-GIVEAWAY post for unlimited entries. One entry for each post you comment on.

Giveaway will close on Monday May 24, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. CST

Details to pay attention to when entering contests at A Daily Dose:

1. Required entry MUST be done to qualify, not following this entry will result in all entries being deleted.
2. Optional entries can only be done IF the required entry has been met.  However they are completely optional and do not have to be done.
3. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so you don’t short yourself
4. Winner will be picked at random by Random.Org
5. Winner will be emailed using the email they supplied to enter and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn.

For more on my review, giveaway, winner, and disclosure policies please see my disclosure.

*Product(s) being given away in this post are provided by the company or the pr firm on behalf of the company.  I received the product in this post for the sole purpose of  reviewing the product.  Reception of product does not influence my views and no monetary compensation was received for this post.