Apr

Giving Made Simple by Sam’s Club (CLOSED)

I am SO excited to be able to tell you what Sam’s Club is getting ready to do!!

They have FOUR MILLION DOLLARS to give away to charity…and YOU get to choose who get’s it! Pretty awesome, huh?

Sorry…I could not say “Four Million Dollars” without doing a Mr. Evil voice. LOL

Enough silliness…this is important stuff!

Sam’s Club has slated 8 charitable organizations to receive money: 4 are youth organizations and 4 are entrepreneurship based. One winner in each category will receive $1 million dollars, 2nd place in each category will receive $500,000 and the remaining 4 charities will each get $250,000.00. That’s a huge amount in today’s economy. And these funds are going to directly benefit our future…youth and entrepreneurs. Here are the charities that are in the running:

click to enlarge

Because you’re a Sam’s Club® Member, we believe you play an important role in our organization and should have a say in how we support the community. By voting on your preferred youth education or entrepreneurship organizations, you’ll help determine the portion of the $4 million donation that each will receive.

Visit the Giving Made Simple website to learn more about each organization and to cast your vote.

Important Stuff To Know:

Today until May 2nd: Vote Once Daily ONLINE (every 24 hours) for your favorite charity at Giving Made Simple OR on Facebook.
April 10th: Vote in STORE at your favorite local club.
April 16th: Double Points Day!! Be sure to vote this day!!
Follow Sam’s Club on Twitter and use #samsgiving to join in on the conversation (heads up – there will be a twitter party or two coming soon!).

The BEST part of this whole thing?? Everyone gets something! Even the “losers” get $250,000.00. That’s just awesome to me. I think this whole promo is so important, and I think my readers will, too. I have faith in you that you will vote and I am willing to bet that at LEAST 500 mommy23monkeys readers will make their voices heard in this decision. What do you think?

So Go! Vote!

Oh, did I mention that there is actually something in it for you, too? Besides the warm fuzzies you get for supporting great organizations?

Sam’s Club is letting me give away TWO $50.00 Sam’s Club gift cards. These can be used to purchase a membership (if by some odd chance you don’t have one) or to just enjoy yourself shopping. SUPER!

This giveaway is a little different, though. I have 2 sets of available entries; one set for current Sam’s Club members who can vote and one set for non-members who can at least encourage others to vote.

Sam’s Club Members:

VOTE! It’s that simple. Visit Giving Made Simple and vote for the organization that you feel should get the $1 million dollar prize. Leave me a comment telling me what organization you voted for, and if you feel inclined, tell me why. You can vote daily, so you can enter daily.

Extra Entries and Entries for Non-Members:

Encourage others to vote every single day. Tweet about Giving Made Simple and this Giveaway. OR, if you can’t tweet the you can promote this on your Facebook page and link to this giveaway along with the Giving Made Simple Facebook Page. If you Tweet and Facebook, then by all means, do both. You’ll get an entry for each. You can Tweet/Facebook post once DAILY for a maximum of two extra entries each day.

Sample Tweet (feel free to copy):

WIN 1 of 2 $50 Sam’s Club Gift Cards & Help Decide the charity to win $1million!! http://bit.ly/ctaWqV #samsgiving @mommy23monkeys

Basically – MEMBERS can receive max 3 entries daily and NON-MEMBERS can receive max 2 entries daily. I hope I’m not confusing anyone.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will close on May 2, 2010 at 10pm San Diego time. 2 winners will be chosen with Random.org. Winners will be notified by email and have 72 hours to claim their prize. The winners of the $1 million dollar prize from Sam’s Club will be announced on May 4th.

FTC disclosure: Sam’s Club provided me with two $50 gift cards to give away to my readers and one $100 gift card for my participation in this campaign throughout the month of April

Categories : Giveaways, Sharing the Savings

Apr

Family Movie Night is Coming Back! (CLOSED)

By mommy23monkeys

Walmart and Procter & Gamble have teamed up to bring family movie night’s back to America. They decided to work together in creating this movie after hearing from families who wanted more quality options to be offered on TV. They have brought in recognizable actors (Barry Bostwick – “Spin City;” Paige Turco – “The Agency;” and Shawn Christian – “Days of our Lives”) along with music producer Randy Jackson (American Idol) to create the soundtrack.

I am one of those families that complete agree! I hate that nothing good is on TV anymore. Unless I want to watch NickJr. alllll daaayyyy loonnng (which I do), or I want to rent movies (which are getting expensive). A lot of the stuff on network TV is cheesy, not well acted or just not family friendly. It’s frustrating for a parent.

Introducing: Secrets of the Mountain

Somewhere between the demands of her career, her ex’s wedding and her kids’ busy schedules, Dana James (Paige Turco, The Agency) is noticing her tight-knit family starting to unravel. An unexpected offer to purchase her family’s mountain property sets up a weekend road trip, which she hopes will bring her family back together. But when they arrive, they quickly learn that the mountain is much more than it seems. An ancient secret and a treacherous quest will test the family like never before. It’s an edge-of-the seat thriller that reminds us that when times are tough, families don’t run away from problems – they run back to each other.

Now doesn’t that trailer look exciting??

I was actually invited to New York for the screening of this motion picture. I was really bummed that I could not go (really really pregnant and all). But I have heard from the people that went, that the movie is actually quite good. I know it’s surprising for a “made for TV’ movie, huh? But I am told that it’s adventurous, exciting and emotional. I showed Anthony the trailer and he was very excited that there was a map!

Check out here what Lori (one of the Walmart 11 Moms) of A Cowboy’s Wife has to say about it (she’s in the video!)

Tune In

April 16th, 2010 at 8/7c on NBC

On April 17th the movie, along with the Randy Jackson produced soundtrack will go on sale at Walmart for only $12.00! That’s a great value today for a movie and a CD, especially a good one. You can even pre-order the bundle now at walmart.com.

P&G and Walmart are letting me giveaway one movie/CD combo pack of Secrets of the Mountain to a lucky reader!

First Mandatory Entry

Just leave a comment telling me what things you do to spend quality time as a family. Are you big movie watchers? Do you go out to sporting events? Fishing? Camping? What? I am a firm believer that a family that “plays together, stays together” whether that is playing outside or in. So tell me what you do! I can always use some good ideas.

Click Here for some Extra Entries and my Contest Rules

This giveaway will end on Wednesday April 21st at 10pm San Diego time. Winner will be chosen from all eligible entries by Random.org. Winner will be notified by email and have 72 hours to reply and claim their prize. US Residents only. Good Luck!

FTC Blah Blah Blah: I was provided some popcorn and a movie poster to tell you about the movie. After it airs, I’ll get a copy of the DVD in the mail, too. I was invited to NYC to preview it but declined to go. The opinions are always my own…free popcorn or not.

Categories : Giveaways

Mar

GIVEAWAY – 500 Business Cards (CLOSED)

By mommy23monkeys · Comments (12)

I know it’s been forever since I had something to give away, huh? Well today I got 500 business cards from UPrinting.com. YAY

UPrinting is the only place I get business cards online. When I ordered my mommy23monkeys.com cards I got them at UPrinting and I was really happy with the way they came out. It was easy to upload my own image and the cards came back to me quickly. I felt so special to have my own cards.

Now, if I could only remember to give them out…

They also have lots of other promotional printing items to satisfy you. They have door hangers, fliers, brochures and wall graphics just to name a few.

UPrinting is allowing me to give away 500 business cards. These are awesome if you are a blogger getting ready to attend an upcoming conference. They are also really handy to have as “mommy cards” to pass out at the park to your new playdate friends. Maybe you are a new business owner trying to make a name for yourself in this economy? Business cards are great to have in your wallet when meeting new people.

The cards you are playing for are:

Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (slim card)
Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

First Mandatory Entry

Leave me a comment and just tell me what you would do with business cards if you had them. I’m always looking for new and creative ways of using them since I have a whole box sitting on my dresser.

Click Here for the available extra entries and Contest Rules

So there you have it. This giveaway will end on March 30th at 10pm Pacific Daylight Saving Time. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified by email. Winner will have 72 hours to reply and claim their prize. Good luck!

FTC Disclosure: Blah Blah Blah…yeah, I get some free business cards. My opinion can’t be bought.

Categories : Giveaways

Comments (12)

Feb

GIVEAWAY/REVIEW ~ Webkinz Jr. (CLOSED)

By mommy23monkeys · Comments (86)

My boys are a little bit younger, so I have avoided the whole “Webkinz Craze” that seems to be around. I laugh when I visit Hallmark stores and see all the cute Webkinz behind locked glass. I guess they are a big deal and when I was approached to check out the new Webkinz JUNIOR’s, I was intrigued.

The Webkinz Jr.’s are designed especially for children ages 3 to 6. There is no reading and the characters talk you through the instructions and games. There is an entire interactive World much like the original Webkinz, but for the little ones. Webkinz Jr. has parental areas so you can set your child’s level of play, manage their account and also upgrade to the Deluxe membership which opens up more play areas and fun Webkinz merchandise.

“Santa Claus” brought each monkey boy a Webkinz Jr. of their very own: The Giraffe, Blue Puppy and Brown Bear. These stuffed animals are ADORABLE! So soft and bigger than regular Webkinz, so they are perfect little friends for the young kids. I think “my” favorite is Giraffe (who Anthony named “Bob.”). They are so soft, I found myself petting them on more than one occasion *blush* Each animal friend comes with a code that allows your child 1 year of online access to the fun virtual world of Webkinz Jr.

All of my boys are avid “gamers” (ha) and LOVED playing the online games with their pets.

All three boys would spend a long time navigating through the town and playing the games. I think Anthony’s favorite game was making cakes in the bakery.

Suggestions/Improvements

While I understand the design of having it be an individual game rather than a community, I think it would be cool if children could visit their sibling’s “houses.” All kids under one parent having access to each other. My boys kept trying to go visit and couldn’t. But like I said, I am sure it’s a safety feature to keep the littlest ones safe and I appreciate that. Also, I wish the website was cookie enabled so I didn’t have to come in and log them in each time they want to play. Again…probably a great safety feature so they can’t get online without parental consent and I should appreciate it and get over it. lol!

All in all, I think Webkinz Jr. is a super cute site and great for the age range. My boys have been bugging me to play it every day and like I mentioned, would sit here for hours on it if I let them.

Webkinz Jr. is widely available in Hallmark stores and other gift store retailers. It’s easy to visit Webkinz Jr. and check out their store locator.

The really nice people at Ganz are offering one lucky ready their choice of either the Pink Dog Webkinz Jr. or the Purple Monkey Webkinz Jr. YAY! Aren’t they so cute? I am wondering why I didn’t get a monkey….But lucky for you, if you win, you can have him.

First Mandatory Entry

Visit Webkinz Jr. and tell me who you think your child’s favorite pet friend would be.

Bonus Entry for This Giveaway Only

Become a Facebook Fan of Webkinz Jr.

Additional Entry Points and Contest Rules

This giveaway will end on February 15th at 10pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified by email and have 72 hours to reply and claim their prize before it’s forfeit and a new winner chosen. This contest is open to residents of the US only. Good luck!

FTC Disclosure: I was provided 3 Webkinz Jr.’s to try out the website with my children so I could tell you what I thought about it. The opinions are my own.

Categories : Giveaways, Product Reviews

Comments (86)

Jan

GIVEAWAY/REVIEW ~ The New More Delicious Domino’s Pizza (CLOSED)

By mommy23monkeys · Comments (143)

Back before Christmas, I told you all a little story about how Anthony called in and ordered a pizza from Domino’s. Remember? If you haven’t read it, you should. It’s funny. I had every intention of telling you about the story only because it was funny to me and because it showed not to underestimate the brilliance of a 5 year old. Little did I know, that I would actually get a response from Domino’s.

Hi Rhea!

My name is Sean C. and I work with Domino’s pizza on helping to get the buzz out about their product news and announcements. When I came across your story about Anthony ordering the pizza, I wanted to make sure he still got his Domino’s pizza.

Additionally, as you may (or may not) have heard, Domino’s just released the news about their brand new pizza recipe. So if you try out the pizza and like enough to share with your readers, we’d be thrilled! If not, we’re just happy that Anthony got his pizza.

Is that the nicest thing or what??

But now, I had a dilemma. I was trying to teach Anthony that it was not okay to call up and order pizza’s on his own. And now the nice people at Domino’s wanted to give him pizza anyways. Thanks A LOT. lol!

I should have just ordered a pizza one night and never told him that he got a letter. But I’m not good at that. I explained that Domino’s was sending him money for a pizza because they thought he was cute and smart and since he wanted pizza, they were gonna go ahead and let him have it.

Against my better judgement.

Ha.

This family loves Domino’s Pizza. It’s why the magnet with their phone number is on my fridge. We order pizza from there two or three times a month. I’ve always found their prices to be reasonable and they are always very generous with their toppings. It just so happened that in the middle of all this excitement, Domino’s changed their recipe.

It seems that after 50 years of making pizza, they decided to change it up. Here is what’s changed:

The Crust – A garlic seasoned crust with parsley baked to a golden brown.
The Sauce – Sweeter, bolder tomato sauce with a medley of herbs and a red pepper kick.
The Cheese – Shredded cheese made with 100% real mozzarella and flavored with just a hint of provolone.

Yuuuummmmmmmyyyyyyyy!!!!!

I could definitely taste the garlic in the crust. As an Italian who is used to putting lots of garlic in things, I loved it! It was bold and had a lot of flavor. As always, there was a ton of pepperoni and the cheese and sauce were really delicious. I could really taste the change and the whole family really enjoyed it. Especially Anthony.

Right now Domino’s is running a special introductory price on their new pizzas and you can get 2 medium, 2 topping pizzas for only $5.99 a piece.

I think we might even order some pizzas for dinner tonight. At that price you can’t go wrong! OMGosh, especially if you have teenagers! I’ve told my husband we’re gonna have to order a pizza for each boy in just a few more short years. Right now they will eat 2-3 pieces. Each.

Sorry, got off topic.

Anyhow, if you love pizza, you really ought to give the new Domino’s recipe a try. If you like garlic and herbs and all that goodness, you can’t go wrong. And it’s a great price to feed a family.

Guess what? The people at Domino’s Pizza are SO nice, they are offering one of my readers a $20.00 gift card to try the new recipe out for themselves. You can thank Anthony for that, too.

First Mandatory Entry

I just want to know what your favorite pizza topping is, or what combination of toppings you love. I’ve always been a pepperoni and mushroom gal and am glad my boys like it, too. But pepperoni and pinapple is also very good. Just nobody in my family will ever let me order it. *sigh*

Bonus Entries for This Giveaway Only

Follow Domino’s on Twitter = 1 extra entry

Become a Domino’s Fan on Facebook = 1 extra entry

Click Here for the rest of my Extra Entries and to see Contest Rules

This giveaway will close on January 15th at 10pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified by email and have 72 hours to claim their prize or it will be forfeit and I’ll eat your pizza (or maybe I’ll choose another winner instead). Good luck!

FTC Disclosure: In case it wasn’t clear, I received a free pizza from Domino’s. I wasn’t even required to write about it either but because I love them, I did. The giveaway was just a bonus because they love me, too.

Categories : Giveaways, Product Reviews

Comments (143)

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