Sugar Ridge

Glidden Paint Giveaway

2009-06-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

To browse colors and register for the free Glidden paint giveaway, visit the Glidden website. The offer is available through July 2, 2009 or while supplies last, and the free paint should arrive within three to four weeks.

2009-06-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Redbox code for the day.

DVDONME

2009-06-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

Times are tough and Mars wants to help. How, you ask? Every Friday through September, Mars will give away FREE* real chocolate to 250,000 people. That means you can enjoy your favorite Mars candy brands—M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, 3 MUSKETEERS®, MILKY WAY® and DOVE®— for free*!
Click here for your Free chocolate, every Friday!
Offer valid from 9:00:00 AM ET to 11:59:59 PM ET on the Friday only of each week beginning 5/8/09 and ending 9/25/09, 250,000 Coupons per Friday during the Offer Period.

2009-06-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

Right now any gift you make to The Fresh Air Fund will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous donors! If you can give $25 that means $50 for inner-city children. $50 becomes $100!

But you must make your donation by June 30th to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

Donate now!

Thanks to host families who open up their homes for one or two weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air vacations.

More than 65% of all children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.
Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City and are eager to experience the simple pleasures of life outside the city.

Fresh Air Fund Host Families

There is no such thing as a "typical" host family. If you have room in your home - and your heart - to host a child, you could be one too.

Learn More

2009-06-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Burt's Bees Free Lip Balm Freebie Giveaway

Win it! Avoid chapped lips this summer with free lip balm from Burt's Bees! Starting 5/27/09 at 9 AM EST, Burt's Bees will be giving away 1000 lip balms per day for 25 days for a total of 25,000 free lip balms! Sign up here!

2009-05-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Ready to take Mom out for Mother's Day look at the great deal Outback is offering on Sunday.

With a new menu Outback Steakhouse is bursting with enticing new creations, classic favorites and lower prices, including 15 meals under $15, starting at $9.95.**

This Mother’s Day, take your Mum on a taste adventure through our New Menu. As a special thanks, they'll give her a $10 Certificate* good for her next visit to Outback.

They open early on Mother’s Day**. Visit Outback.com to find extended hours for your local Outback.

Live Adventurous. Go Outback.

*While supplies last.
**Prices, product, participation and extended hours may vary by location.

2009-05-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

VitaTops and VitaMuffins are a healthy, rewarding treat that will satisfy you any time of day! And best of all, they are good for you. With only 100 Calories, 15 vitamins and minerals, 6g of Fiber, and all-natural ingredients they supply a nutritional value you can't afford to live without!

In celebration of their appearance on WeightWatchers.com, they are offering 6 FREE Deep Chocolate OR Banana Nut VitaTops* with the purchase of our special 24-pack. That's nearly 1 week's worth of FREE breakfasts, a savings of $8.00! Enter coupon code: ESF58Z9. Offer expires 5/8/09.

To order visit us at www.vitalicious.com or call toll free 877-848-2877.

2009-04-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

Discover why clotheslines are making a comeback. Line Drying Benefits outlines the benefits of line drying for clothing and home fabrics and provides instructions for caring for your clothing while saving money and energy.

· Learn how to build a child’s spring/summer wardrobe that’s fashionable, durable, versatile and easy to care for in Maximize Your Child’s Wardrobe.

· Visit Style File to discover why Seasonal Stripes are spring’s must have and how they enable wardrobe budget dollars to stretch.

· Get tips on how to create an eco-friendly home with the best of green cotton home décor products and decorating ideas in Greening Your Home Décor.

Fresh Air Fund

2009-04-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Fresh Air Fund NEEDS hosts for this
Summer in these states

Click on the map to inquire about hosting

Donate

You can give a child the experience of a
lifetime with your gift to The Fresh Air Fund!

Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Whether it's a two-week trip to visit a volunteer host family, or a fun-filled and educational stay at one of our camps, our programs make for unforgettable memories – and open a world of new friendships and fresh possibilities.

We are a not-for-profit agency and depend on tax-deductible donations from people like you to keep our vital programs flourishing.

Donate online now

2009-04-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Check out Garage Sales Tracker for local sales in your area.
Http://www.garagesalestracker.com it's a site that allows users to find or list their local garage sale which is becoming every more prudent as a way for families to either raise money or purchase household items, clothes, and miscellaneous children’s items at great bargains.

2009-03-23T04:02:00.001-07:00

Free Sample of Murad Sleep Reform

Your skin restores itself best when you are sleeping. Murad sleep reform takes advantage of these restful hours by maximizing restorative effects to damaged skin. Murad features the night specific Repair Enhancing Matrix (REM).

The size of this free sample is 0.125 fluid ounce. There is a limit of 1 free sample per household and this one is available in the continental United States only. Please see the above link for requesting your sample.

OLX classifieds

2009-03-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

I was recently notified about OLX.com. I had never heard of this site but so glad I was contacted about it. OLX is a global online classifieds community with more features than old school Craigslist and Ebay while remaining completely free, even for jobs and rental listings.

Some cool things you can do on OLX.com

Easily design rich colorful listings with pictures and videos

Control your selling, buying, and community activity in My OLX
Display your listings on your social networking profile (Facebook, Myspace, ...)
Access the site from your mobile phone
A distance field allowing you to see postings near your zip code wherever possible
Ability to post listings in any language in any country
Ability to view the site in any country in any language

and the best thing about all this is that it is 100% free (forever) even in jobs and real estate. Be sure to check out this up and coming site and start listing today!

Ultimate Blog Party

2009-03-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate Blog Party 2009 has started and it is HUGE. It runs from March 20th - 27th with tons going on all week.

There are a lot of great prizes to be won so be sure to check out the party.

Here's a little about me, i'm a SAHM to 3 wonderful girls, 2, 6, & 10 so my days are pretty busy but I love every minute of it. In my spare time I like to surf blogs and see what other families are up to and check out what contests are going on. I am fairly new to all this blogging so feel free to follow me or add me to your blog. I would like to start my own giveaways on the site so that's in the works. I also like to post about new websites and products that are available. I look forward to meeting some new bloggers.
My top 4 choices would be

1. Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer
Provided by: Moms Who Think

2. $50 gift certificates to Paperlicious
Provided by: Paperlicious - Hip Invites & Notes

3. Your choice of our Simply Precious Photo Tile Necklace ($110), or our key clasp style Boston Locket ($185)
Provide by: Elemental Memories

4. 1 Free Amber Alert GPS child safety unit with one year of service.
BY: Amber Alert GPS

1,42,21,22,23,USC26,28,8,88,118,INTl8,USC22, or anything would be great. There are so many great prizes to choose from.

Snuggle Creme Coupon $2

2009-03-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a little 'me' time? Pamper your senses with the luxurious texture and delicate fragrance of new Snuggle Crème. It leaves your clothes feeling smooth, soft, and delightfully fresh to wear. Go ahead, treat yourself and your clothes.

Available in two indulgent scents - Sweet Almond and Jojoba Essence - rich, creamy textures and delicate fragrance designed to leave your clothes feeling smooth. Be sure to get your $2 off coupon below.

2009-01-30T05:27:00.000-08:00

A Passion For Pendants by HotWyre Jewelry is giving one of my readers their own Custom Photo Pendant!!!! Check out the contest here Two of kind, working on a full house. Contest ends Jan 31.

2009-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Check out the Shake the Salt giveaway it's a total package valued at $833 – A-MAZ-ING, folks!! Be sure you get your name in the hat for this awesome giveaway & spread the word!

2009-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Check out the great giveaway at Living One Day at Time Blog Cale & Company Designs handbags are beautifully constructed. The Black and White Damask Hobo Handbag with Bird Applique bag is my absolute favorite! There are six deep pockets on the interior of the bag.

More info. from the website:
Measures Approx:
15.5" at the widest point
11.5 inches long
strap: 31" long
Magnetic snap closure

Enter today for your chance to win the beautiful Black and White Damask Hobo Handbag with Bird Applique bag.

2009-01-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

Check out Double Dipped Sweets they are giving away a Gift Basket worth over $50!

What is included in this wonderful delight?
2 Caramel Apples of YOUR choice
2 1/2 sized Gourmet Caramel Popcorn's, of YOUR choice
1 dozen Dipped Oreos
1 set of either Dipped Pretzels (5) or Chocolate Bark (1/2 lb)

WOW!

You will want to RUN over to SHOP to see the wonderful variety's of options. I guarantee drooling will occur!
http://doubledippedsweets.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-year-giveaway.html

2009-01-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

Check out the great giveawsy at Sweetn SassyGirls

http://sweetnsassygirls.blogspot.com/2009/01/claudias-bowtique-babycakes-giveaway.html?showComment=1233110040000#c4495675571512113082

Claudias Bowtique Babycakes......the best eye candy for any baby shower!!!!!!
Enter to win a 1-tier babycake (neutral color theme). Valued at $170.00

Go Green for 2009

2009-01-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a great website I came across that has a lot of green recipes for a Safer Home and a Cleaner Environment .

http://www.wswmd.org/recipes#apc

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2009 !!!
Hope everyone has a prosperous year!

CPSIA Law

2008-12-29T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a little info from Amy at Journal Modiste about the new laws for all those custom crafters out there.

How you can comply now.

We all know about the new CPSIA law. Face it – it's not going away. It may be amended to make it easier and more cost effective for us to test or it may exempt certain classes of items, but until we receive word from the CPSC, we should go ahead and follow the letter of the law. So what can you do now to comply?

This new CPSIA law is a wake up call and an opportunity for home crafters to make sure our products are truly safe. We shouldn't be pushing for a small business exemption. We can't assume our products are lead free because without testing, we don't really know (we do know that the risk of having lead in textiles or untreated wood is very low but we have to prove it). Don't assume since you bought your supplies in the US, that they've been tested and are safe (most of them are imported anyway). The CPSC doesn't care that you are a one-woman show and that you don't want to hurt anyone. They made a blanket law to cover the bases and expect you to follow it.

Here is a nice presentation and break down of the law.. http://nsf.org/business/toy_testing/presentations.asp?program=ToyTes

On February 10, 2009, you will need to prove the items you sell fall below the 600 ppm requirement for lead testing. If your product falls under a current guideline or ban (like pajamas, loungewear or drawcords for example) you need the General Certificate of Conformity now. (Here is what the CPSC wants on the Certificate: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/elecertfaq.pdf) It looks like you need to have one on hand for each unique item you produce but I'm not completely sure. You don't have to send it to the CPSC if you sell direct to the consumer but must keep it on file for 3 years. The certificate must accompany each shipment to a wholesale buyer.

Now the CPSC allows a “reasonable" method of testing until August 16, 2009 (or as it seems, March 2009 for metal jewelry?), when you will have to have your items tested by a 3rd party CPSC approved lab. One “reasonable" method seems to be the use of an XRF analyzer. I know Jennifer Taggert of The Smart Mama is offering to test your items for a small fee. There may be other offers as well and I can keep a list as I hear about them.

At the very least contact your supplier or the manufacturer and ask if they have run lead tests. If it is a fabric supplier ask for flammability tests as well. Get those emailed, faxed or sent to you and keep for your files.

Now phthalates are another matter. You must get any items containing plastics tested if it is a toy or child care article for children 12 and younger. According to the CPSC “a children's toy" means a product intended for a child 12 years of age or younger for use when playing, and a “child care article" means a product that a child 3 and younger would use for sleeping, feeding, sucking or teething." Here's the link: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/108faq.html I don't know much about this part of the law but I know it may apply to some of you if you make bibs, pacifiers, footed pajamas, crib bedding, or if you embellish clothing/accessories using puffy paint or iron-on decals and obviously toys. Anything that may contain plastic.

There is no easy testing method for testing phthalates right now short of sending your items to a lab. Third party testing is required in August 2009 and there is a list of phthalates that are banned on February 10, 2009. However, according to the CPSC, you can still sell your existing inventory after February 10 but you can no longer manufacture products that contain phthalates.

Oh and don't forget about the new tracking labels that need to be applied to every product. Again, I don't know much about them but there is a great article here: http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/cpsia-and-tracking-label-requirements/

We still need to fight the law though. The National Association of Manufacturers has put together a very comprehensive plan for the CPSIA. You can read it here: http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/PDFs/Safety/CPSCPetition1208.pdf. It's a very good plan and a great compromise. Kathleen of Fashion Incubator is encouraging everyone to print this letter and mail it with a statement of your support. The CPSC needs to know.

Yummy Chocolate Cake

2008-12-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

I got this in one of my emails and had to share.

The Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever!!!

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

2008-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Check out Inside Out, they are have some great giveaways for the next two weeks.

On the First Day of Christmas: We Kick off 13 Days of Giveaways

Black Friday will be anything but. Today marks day one of the 13 Days of Giveaways here on Inside Out - the 12 Days of Christmas becomes a baker's dozen. Every business day for the next few weeks, we'll be putting up one must-have product for someone in your family (yes, even the four-legged friends). And everyday, you'll have a chance to win - some days MANY of you will win.

2008-11-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Tip Junkie is having "12 Days of Junkie", to help promote the lovely ladies in the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon, there will be two winners every day starting today!!!!

Be sure to check back because ...

On November 18th she has a Christmas Card Challenge. To qualify to enter this contest, all you have to do is take a picture or scan your favorite Christmas cards you've made or received and blog about it, old and new.

Then on December 8th there is the Christmas Tree Decorating Challenge. She's looking for tips and advice on how you set up your Christmas tree!

I'm excited about this Holiday season, aren't you? Tip Junkie makes my holiday shopping for sure a lot easier this year by supporting other Moms!

2008-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Frustration-Free Packaging

It's about time, I know lots of you will feel the same joyous feeling I did when I found out about this. Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com announced an initiative to "alleviate wrap rage" with Fustration Free Packaging, so far 19 companies have agreed to help end wrap rage, including Fisther-Price, Mattel and Microsoft. They will be replacing the plastic clamshell packaging with smaller, easy to open (and recyclable!) cardboard boxes. According to Amazon.com, this eliminates the need for 1,576.5 square inches of corrugated inserts, 175.25 square inches of PVC blisters, 36.1 inches of plastic-coated steel-wire ties, 3.5 square inches of ABS molded styrene and two molded plastic fasteners. Now that's great news for the environment, as well as our safety - and just in time for the holidays!

2008-10-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Check out the great bloggers on Momdot.com, they are celebrating a Christmas of Dreams starting November 12-27 and ON Nov 28th, we will be celebrating a Christmas of Dreams, where one person will walk away with an entire gaggle of items from sponsors like DYSON, Mutsy, and More!

2008-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Like the banner says "Get one while you can..."
things this yummy never last for long.

2008-10-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

Another way to help support Breast Cancer Month.

Band-Aid (Special Edition)

It’s wonderful when a practical product - one we buy all the time anyway - decides to step up and support a cause. The makers of Band-Aid will donate 15 cents per sale to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for each specially-marked package of Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages sold in 2008, with a minimum donation of $100,000. Trust us - no parent can ever have enough Band-Aids.

2008-10-11T07:57:00.001-07:00

Giveaway: Bissell Pro-Dry Carpet Cleaner

This is a giveaway that everyone located in the U.S. and Canada needs to enter! MomDot is giving away Bissell Pro-Dry which retails for $199. Go here to learn how to enter.

2008-10-08T04:08:00.001-07:00

Sign up to support your school with Box Tops for Education newsletter and you'll receive a Free sample of custom designed Fruit Roll-ups snack.
US Only.

2008-10-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

We have all been touched by cancer, somewhere in our lives, please read below and let everyone know.

The New M&M colors

There are many women out there who have breast cancer Let's do all we can to support this cause.

New Pink & White M&M's

The maker of M&M candies has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds through the sale of their new 'pin k & white' M&M candies.

For each 8-ounce bag of the special candies sold, the makers of M&M(Masterfoods) will donate 50 cents to the foundation. The next time you want a treat, please pick up a bag (now sold in stores nationwide) - you will
be donating to a great cause and satisfying your sweet tooth. Just think...If each of us buys one bag or two... how much will be donated. Buy a bag for a friend...........

Please let your family and friends know.

2008-10-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Something fun for Friday. I came across this at the goodyblog.

Color Coded

Do you need a Friday morning distraction? Test your color IQ by arranging these color chips in order. It might make your eyes cross, but it's fun to see how well you judge tone and hue. (I scored an eight, zero being the best, and I blame any mistakes on my poorly calibrated monitor and the florescent lighting in my office. Excuses, excuses.)

And if you're curious to know what Pantone, the color giants, think is your color, check out Colorstrology.

2008-09-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Cupcakes Club, along with MomDot, is giving away a 10K Gold, Diamond Cupcake necklace ($250 retail) to a lucky contest winner by simply signing up for a free membership at The Cupcakes Club
and then post a comment on MomDot.com

Halloween bag

2008-09-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

OMG! Is it time to start looking for Halloween stuff already???
Check out our latest find at etsy.

Description ••• ••• ••• HALLOWEEN at SEW GRACIOUS ••• ••• •••

• A fun little bag, perfect for collecting candy on Halloween night! Your little princess or pirate can carry a handmade candy bucket . . . much better & more eco-friendly than the plastic pumpkin! ;-)

• Don't have a little one? What a cute Halloween decoration for your home! Fill it with candy & keep it by the door; ready for Trick or Treaters on October 31.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15043265

2008-09-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

Point to Ponder

Kids have little computer bodies with disks that store information. They remember who had to do the dishes the last time you had spaghetti, who lost the knob off the Tv set six years ago, who got punished for teasing the dog when he wasn't teasing the dog and who had to wear girls boots the last time it snowed.

Erma Bombeck

2008-09-01T00:24:00.000-07:00

The Joy of Motherhood

My shirt is almost always dirty, remember to not wear white. On a given day I can have various baby bodily fluids, leaking breastmilk, dog drool, or even chocolate kisses on my shoulder from hugging toddlers.

I haven't been in the bathroom by myself in years. Instead, I go with little helpers handing me towels and toilet paper. ("Mommy, my you have pretty panties" This is especially nice when you are at a public bathroom and there is line of people waiting to go.)

My post-pregnant body is scarred with the battle wounds of pregnancy and breastfeeding... stretch marks, loose skin, c-section scars, and ummm.... fat. I wouldn't change a thing.

I listen to theme songs from the Disney Channel for twenty minutes in the car and then realize the kids are not even in the car!

I let my three year old give me a manicure, and then leave it for weeks, proudly showing it off.

I am responsible for all... lost shoes ("Mom, why can't I find my shoes?!!"), lost clothing and toys, and meals that aren't good ("Why did you cook this? I don't really like it.") When things go wrong, it is all my fault.

My three year old tells me I am beautiful, all the time. Even when I know I don't.

I never feel lonely, or unloved. I hear "I love you, Mommy" daily.

I can have hour long conversations about the wonderful things my children do every day... how much they are learning and growing. I am their teacher.

I love good music and good books and take time to enjoy them regularly. My kids know I love good books and good music, and I hope they will one day enjoy it too.

I'll never look back and wish I had more time to play with my kids.

When everything goes right, I get credit for that too. Completely rewarding.

The joy of motherhood.

2008-08-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

An easy, no bake Halloween treat, that is fun to eat.
Spooky Witch Hat Cookies
Take Oreo® cookies and place them on wax paper. Place an unwrapped Hershey's kiss in the middle of the cookie attaching it with a dab of frosting. With orange colored frosting, pipe a ring around the candy kiss to look like a hat band.
These are great to take to school for a quick treat.

2008-08-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Toddler's Creed

2008-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is so true, especially with my little one:)

If I want it, it's mine. If I give it to you and change my mind later, it's mine. If I can take it away from you, it's mine. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine. If we are building something together, all of the pieces are mine. If it looks like mine, it's mine. If it's mine it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what.

2008-08-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

What is a home without children? Quiet.
~Henny Youngman