5 Vinez Monkeys

Macy's Fashion Director Daily Fashion Challenge ($25 GC - 4/4)

2010-03-19T12:00:00.003-04:00

Anyone who stops by this blog knows what a fan I am of Macy's. They have some of the best clothes out there, plus, they are often running some really great campaigns. (Remember the recent Go Red for Women campaign? Stuff we can really stand behind and support!)

Well, they've done it again. Another fabulous campaign, and this time, they're giving away a $500 gift card once a day for 30 days! WOW!

I know you want to know the details, so here you go...

Macy’s FASHION DIRECTOR DAILY FASHION CHALLENGE is a 30-day contest that lets fashionistas put it all together. By mixing and matching the right pieces around a daily theme, participants get the chance to win a $500 gift card every day. The interactive outfit maker at www.macys.com/fashiondirector lets you combine the season’s hottest fashions and accessories to style, shop, and share the perfect look. From putting together an outfit for a blind date to selecting the perfect look for a big work presentation, the challenges will mirror everyday situations, as well as special occasions.

Using the mix and match tool, participants can virtually select pieces to create a unique outfits ideal for the challenge of the day. Suggested pieces from Macy’s Spring 2010 collections will help those in need of guidance.

Here is how it works –

Build the perfect outfit by dragging pieces to the virtual canvas until you are satisfied with the look
Once completed, click submit to enter your outfit into the voting gallery
Share your look on Facebook and Twitter and invite your friends and family to vote for your outfit
The outfit that gets the most votes each day will win that day’s challenge and a $500 Macy’s gift card!

Macy’s key style makers, including Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Clinton Kelly, and Rachel Roy got in on the challenge with a series of mockumentary-style short films called “Fashion Interventions”. You'll be able to check out the how-to videos debuting over the next several weeks.

To help celebrate the Macy's Fashion Director Campaign, I get to give away a $25 Macy's Gift Card to one lucky reader!

To Enter:
Visit the Macy's Fashion Director website, then come back here leave a comment telling one thing you learned or found interesting about the site.
*Mandatory. If this is not done, you cannot win.

Want Extra Entries?

Create an outfit, and then share it with your friends. (Leave me a link to your tweet about your outfit or your facebook post about it. 1 point for each that you do. May be done daily.)
Blog About this Giveaway by copying and pasting the following (5 extra entries) :

Calling all Fashionistas! Macy's wants to see you put your best foot forward with their new Fashion Director Daily Fashion Challenge. To help celebrate the launch of this exciting campaign (where you could win a $500 Macy's Gift Card!), Angie at 5 Vinez Monkeys is hosting a giveaway on her blog to give one of her readers a $25 Macy's Gift Card. You won't want to miss this giveaway! Stop by before 11:59pm ET on April 4th, get all the details, and enter to win!
Subscribe to us via email or reader. (Leave a comment for each that you do.)
Follow 5 Vinez Monkeys on twitter. (Leave your twitter id here, please!)
Follow Macy's on Twitter. (Leave your twitter handle here, please!)
Tweet about this contest. (1 Tweet Per DAY.)
Grab our button and put it on your blog. (Leave us a link to your blog, please!)
Add us to your blog roll. (Leave a link to your blog, please!)
Follow our blog - either through Google's Followers Gadget or through Facebook's Networked Blogs. Leave a comment for each one that you do.
Become a Fan of Macy's on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle, please!)
Share this giveaway on Facebook. (Once per DAY - just leave a link, or copy/paste text that you posted.)
Click any of the buttons at the bottom of the post to share this giveaway. (Unlimited - Just let me know which one{s} you shared through.)
Nominate or vote for me in the Dick's Sporting Goods #starting lineup - @angievinez and leave your tweet link.

Finish this tweet: @dickssportcmo I nominate @angievinez for the #startinglineup because... (2 Extra Entries - 1 tweet per DAY)
Fine Print: Contest is open to residents of the US. If you already do any of the above, you qualify. Please leave a comment for each of the extra entries you complete. However, you must first leave the required comment as stated above. Giveaway will end on Sunday, April 4th at 11:59pm (EST), and the winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will be notified via email upon selection, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Disclaimer: I was contacted by M80 on behalf of Macy's. They offered the $25 Gift Certificate for my readers. I was in no other way compensated for this post.

Follow Friday: Week 27

2010-03-19T06:45:00.002-04:00

This week, I want to introduce you to Angela of "Fab Find Foodie." New to the blogging world, Angela's blog has really skyrocketed. I never would have guessed that her blog has only bee around since December. She's like an old pro at blogging.

Aside from having a super-cool name, (because anyone named Angela is cool in my book), she also has a super-cool blog. This is not your typical "Mom Blog" though. Her blog is all about the kitchen - food and drink, gadgets, recipes - you name it, she's got it. Along with really fabulous reviews and giveaways.

Now, you all know how much I love the kitchen. (Note: Sarcasm) The fact that I set my oven on fire last Thursday, and then proceeded to catch my microwave on fire two days ago tells you how much time I should really spend in the kitchen. Cooking is not my forte. Obviously. But, it is something that I would love to learn (if I don't kill us all in the process), and I'm always looking for blogs that give me tips, tricks, and gadgets to make my time in the kitchen easier. (Because, Lord knows, I need all the help I can get!)

So, if you're looking for a fun, new, totally cool blog, stop by Fab Find Foodie today and become a follower. Take some time to check out her reviews and giveaways, and get to know her in the process.

Angela, I have had so much fun getting to know you and reading your blog over the last few days. You are so sweet, and so hysterical! Thanks for making me smile. :) I'd love to have you post this on your blog, if you'd like:

If you're participating in Follow Friday this week, post a link to your blog of choice here:

Care.com - Free Weekend!

2010-03-19T04:45:00.003-04:00

Have you heard of Care.com? It's a website where you can find caregivers near you. They offer mom-reviewed profiles and free background checks. They offer services to help you find a babysitter or nanny, senior care providers, pet sitters, dog walkers, housekeepers, or you can even place your own ad and find a care job!

Normally, you have to pay for their services. (Which is normally $30/month.) However, I have wonderful news: Care.com is running a Free Weekend March 19-21st. (That's this weekend! It starts today.) They are opening up their entire site to everyone for absolutely no cost!

From today through Sunday, anyone can search for caregivers, post jobs, and get contact information. It’s a great opportunity to try out the site, and find a caregiver.

No excuses! Head to care.com and get searching today!

Disclaimer: I was contacted by a representative of care.com and asked if I would share this with my readers. I was in no way compensated for this post. Also, please note that I have never used care.com, and cannot give any kind of review of their services. I can simply tell you what I've found on their website.

The Race is On for Handy Manny Fans!

2010-03-18T07:15:00.002-04:00

My kids are all big fans of Handy Manny. We've been watching him for years, and the kids always get excited when a new episode is coming on.

That's why we can't wait for Saturday night! I've already bought the popcorn and set the DVR. We'll snuggle up on the couch, and we'll enjoy Handy Manny's Big Race on Disney. Family nights are my favorite nights, so I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm looking forward to this. (Almost as much as the kids are looking forward to seeing a new Handy Manny episode!)

Here's some information about Handy Manny and the Big Race:

Launched in 2006, Disney's Emmy-nominated animated series "Handy Manny" shares the adventures of Manny, a bilingual handyman, and his talking tools. Geared toward preschoolers, the show helps kids learn important lessons like problem solving and working together while introducing them to Latin culture and common Spanish words and phrases.

Saturday, March 20^th a brand new primetime special, "Handy Manny Big Race" will air on the Disney Channel. Guest stars Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Lance Bass join Wilmer Valderrama (the voice of Manny) and the rest of the "Handy Manny" gang as they prepare for the famed Wood Valley 500 race. Manny and the tools team up with Eliot to revamp his used race car, as race time approaches, Elliot's nerves get the best of him. Famous racecar driver, Chase Davis (Earnhardt, Jr.) and Manny both jump in to help. What happens next? Tune in on March 20^th to find out!

Want a sneak peek of the Big Race? Take a minute and watch this video.

And, since we've got a couple of days before the Big Race takes place, here are a few ways to keep your kids occupied and excited about Saturday night's premier:

Play the Handy Manny Big Race Online Game (You can also watch other episodes of Handy Manny while you're there!)
Become a Fan of Handy Manny on Facebook (Check out the "Big Race" tab to check out Fan Photos, get tons of Family Night Fun ideas, and learn how you can bring your kids to the Handy Manny Big Race Pit Stop at a Simon Mall near you.)

If you love Handy Manny as much as we do, you're going to want to tune in Saturday, March 20that 7pm/6 Central. (RSVP on Facebook and let your friends know that you'll be watching!)

You can bet that we'll be watching, waiting to see how the Big Race pans out. We can't wait!

Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Playhouse Disney. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Wordless Wednesday: Love, Lavish, and .... Laundry?!

2010-03-17T05:15:00.002-04:00

Ok, ok. So I don't have a picture yet. But I will, soon. Hopefully before this goes out to my subscribers tonight.

You see, I am finally getting a new washer and dryer. We've had our current set since Ashley and I moved out of my parents house. The washer hops across the kitchen floor, and the dryer has to be propped shut with a long wooden pole. With 7 people, and a TON of laundry, it has been a nightmare for years. So, this year, we took our tax return and went out and bought a fabulous new washer and dryer. Wahoo!

Pictures will come, soon. They're delivering today. I'll update as soon as they get here!

I've got pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you're participating in Wordless Wednesday (or not-so-wordless-wednesday like me!), leave your link here:

Ebeanstalk Nesting Buckets (Review)

2010-03-16T07:45:00.001-04:00

You all know that I am a fan of toys that do more than just occupy my kids. I want toys that are going to help my kids learn, and help them develop their cognitive and fine motor skills. Basically, make it fun, but give it a purpose.

That's why I love ebeanstalk so much. While I've reviewed a product from ebeanstalk before, I want to remind you why they're so fabulous!

About ebeanstalk

eBeanstalk is dedicated to providing the learning toys and educational toys that promote a child's development...and we go far beyond just toys. Our mission at eBeanstalk is to "plant the seeds that help children grow" while making gift-giving easy and special.

eBeanstalk is a place where you can give expert selected newborn toys, baby toys, toddler toys and toys for a preschooler. All of our learning toys are packaged into a GIFT SERIES, where every three months a new gift arrives that is perfectly suited the appropriate stage of a child’s development.

ebeanstalk is a website dedicated to selecting great toys for 1 year olds and toys for 2 year olds. They have a team of moms and a team of child experts that help them pick out toys by age, so you can be sure your child gets toys that have been specifically matched to his or her age!

My Review of ebeanstalk's Nesting Buckets

I recently received the Nesting Buckets to test out on Parker. Parker is now at the age where he is into everything. And by into, I literally mean into, on top of, and tearing things apart to see how they work. I wasn't sure how much he'd enjoy the buckets, just because they don't do much.

Boy, oh boy, I couldn't have been more wrong. Do you know how much an inquisitive 17 month old can do with buckets like this? The possibilities are endless! He can nest them inside each other - which is great. It teaches him fine motor skills, and how things work. (Does this bucket go next, or a different one?) He can turn the buckets over and stack them - another favorite thing to do. Although, we'd barely get it stacked to his head before he'd smack the tower across the room. He thought it was hysterical.

Another feature that's great is that the lid to the largest bucket has shapes cut out of it, and the set includes small shaped blocks. So, if he gets tired of nesting a stacking, he can work at matching up the shapes and dropping the blocks into the bucket.

But, do you know what his absolute favorite thing to do with the toy was? It was putting the buckets on his head and trying to see how long he could balance it. He's try it with every size bucket and figured out which ones stayed on longer, and which ones fell off to quickly. He was so proud of himself when he got the buckets to stay put.

I love that something so simple brought so much pleasure to Parker. And not just fun, but he was learning - whether he gets that or not. Once again, ebeanstalk has impressed me with the quality and educational value of their products.

Want to Purchase ebeanstalk Toys for Your Child?

You can head to the ebeanstalk website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and shop right from home. Their website is easy to navigate, and you can search by age or type of toy. There's plenty to choose from!

And, as a bonus, they're offering FREE shipping on orders over $65. Just enter code FREESHIP$65 at checkout.

Disclaimer: I was contacted by ebeanstalk and sent a Nesting Bucket set to get my honest and thorough review. The free product in no way changed my opinion of the toy, and I was in no other way compensated for this post. Please note that the opinions stated above are strictly my own, and others may have different results when using this product.

A Favorite App of Mine

2010-03-15T07:15:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love Amazon. When I need something, whether it's books or Barbies, DVDs or motorcycle jackets, I always, always, always check the price on Amazon. I can't even begin to tell you how much money I have saved thanks to Amazon always having just what I need at a price I can afford. And I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually had to pay shipping - thanks to their "Super Saver" shipping options. I love that!

Well, my thrifty friends, there's a free app that Amazon has called "Amazon Mobile" that is going to make shopping so much more fun. This app is my new best friend. Really.

We were in Walmart the other day, and the kids and I came across a book called "Hello, Cupcake!" Walmart wanted $14 for the book. I pulled out my iphone, opened Amazon Mobile, and snapped a picture of the cover with the "Amazon Remembers" feature. In less than a minute, they had links to 3 products on amazon that looked like what I'd snapped a picture of. The best part was, the book was only $10.33, and it was eligible for free super saver shipping. That was fabulous, because I already had another item sitting in my shopping cart that was always waiting to be purchased until I reached the $25 needed to get the free shipping. (By the way, we got the book, and it's fabulous! I can't wait to try some of these cupcakes!)

Besides the Amazon Remembers feature, you can also see the day's deals, get recommendations, view your wish list, make changes to your account, track all your orders, and have all of amazon.com right at your fingertips.

So, if you love Amazon as much as I do, be sure to download the Amazon Mobile app today. You're gonna love it!

Disclaimer: I was not contacted by anyone and asked to do this review. This was done of my own free will. The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own. Please note that others may have different results or opinions when using this app. I was in no way compensated for this post.

General Hospital Poster Winner Announced

2010-03-14T14:00:00.002-04:00

Time to pick the winner of the General Hospital Poster Giveaway!

Here's who random.org gave me:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
11
Timestamp: 2010-03-14 13:05:55 UTC

That means our lucky winner is.......

#11

NL6369 said... I am a a Fan of General Hospital on Facebook (eyzofblu63)

March 9, 2010 1:34 AM

Congratulations! I need you to respond super quick, though, because I must have this information to the sponsor by tomorrow at noon. I'll drop you an email right now!

Thanks to everyone who participated! Keep watching GH!

This Week's Giveaway Linky - Sign in Here!

2010-03-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

YAWN..... I'm so sleepy! Sunday mornings are hard enough, but you take away that hour, and it is rough! I hope you're adjusting to the time change well. And if you're lucky enough to live in an area that doesn't "Spring Forward" - don't tell me about it. I don't want to know how you enjoyed that hour of sleep that I missed out on. ;)

Now, let's get to the good stuff! It's time once again to post links to the fantastic giveaways that are found all over the net!

If you are hosting a giveaway, or found a super-great giveaway somewhere on the net, we'd love to have you leave your link here.

Remember to post your links like this:
Name: $50 Dicks Sporting Goods GC - 3/31
Link: http://www.5vinezmonkeys.com/2010/03/dicks-sporting-goods-twitter-contest-50.html
Shows up like this: $50 Dicks Sporting Goods GC - 3/31

Now it's your turn! Leave your links here:

Pampers Giveaway Winner Announced!

2010-03-13T06:45:00.000-05:00

It's time to announce the winner of the Pampers Diapers & Liz Lange Clutch Giveaway!

Here's who Random.org gave me:

Here are your random numbers:
200
Timestamp: 2010-03-13 05:45:49 UTC

That means our lucky winner is.......

#200

justicecw said... Tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/10400166060
March 12, 2010 8:30 PM

Congratulations! Be sure to check your email. You've got until Tuesday at Noon EDT to claim your prize, or a new winner will be pulled.

Thanks to all who entered!

Recipe Alert: Roast Beef Roll Up

2010-03-12T06:15:00.005-05:00

Alert the media. It's true. I, the self-proclaimed most horrible cook in America, am about to share a recipe with you. Truth be told, I can't make much. But what I can make does turn out really, really good.

Today, I'm giving you my recipe for Roast Beef Roll Up. This is my husband's favorite thing that I make, and it ranks pretty high on my own list too.

It's super easy to make, I promise.

Roast Beef Roll Up

Ingredients
1 pound deli roast beef (sliced thin)
12 slices provolone cheese
2 rolls refrigerated pizza dough crust (found by the biscuits, rolls, and refrigerated cookies - usually near the eggs or dairy section)
1 Egg
Season All Seasoned Salt (found by all the salts/seasonings)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400*. Open one can of pizza dough crust and roll out into a 12 x 9 rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cover with 1/2 of the roast beef, and then add 1/2 of the cheese. (Be sure to get within half an inch of the edges of the dough.) Starting at the longest side of the rectangle, roll up the dough in a jellyroll fashion. Press the seam together to seal the roll. Repeat with the remaining crust and filling ingredients. Place rolls (seam side down!) on a round baking tray. (I use a 15" round stone.) Press ends together to seal into a full circle.

In a small bowl, scramble the egg. Using a pastry brush, (or if you're like me and don't own a pastry brush - your hand), coat the outside of the ring with the egg. Sprinkle the top of the roll with the Season All.

Bake for 25 - 28 minutes or until the top is golden brown. (The longer you cook it, the less "doughy" the middle will be.)

Wait 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

I serve mine with sides of ranch dressing, yellow mustard, and honey mustard. (Not mixed together. They're separate.) And I cut the ring into 1 inch thick slices so they're easy for dipping.

Also, you can make substitutions - You can add in grilled onions for a "Philly cheesesteak" taste. And you can use cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or colby-jack cheese. Shredded cheese also works - just add as much as you like. I've also made it with ham and/or turkey, although roast beef is everyone's favorite. (It's easy to change things up with this recipe.)

If you try it, let me know what you think!

Betty Crocker - Win & Give Winner Announced

2010-03-11T12:35:00.000-05:00

It's time to announce the winner of our Betty Crocker Win & Give Contest.

Here's who random.org pulled:

Here are your random numbers:
29
Timestamp: 2010-03-11 17:30:28 UTC

That means our lucky winner is.......

#29

Jennifer T. said... I follow via Google Friend Connect.
February 27, 2010 1:34 AM

Congratulations! Please check your email. You have until Saturday at 8pm to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Wordless Wednesday: A Day at the Aquarium

2010-03-10T05:15:00.003-05:00

If you're participating in Wordless Wednesday, leave your link here:

PineCone Research is Growing!

2010-03-09T13:00:00.003-05:00

I've been with PineCone Research for quite a few years now. They are a survey group that pays you for your time, and really values your input. While you won't make a boat load of money by participating with them, you can earn a couple of your favorite lattes each month. And, you're also automatically entered into their sweepstakes where you can win $500!

Here's some information about PineCone Research, and How the Program Works:

PineCone Research is at the forefront of "online research", today's sophisticated and leading-edge approach to gathering consumer opinions. Consumer input is vital to the development of new and improved products.

Traditional survey methods, although effective, can be inconvenient and time consuming. Online research helps solve this dilemma. With online research, you can answer surveys from the comfort and convenience of your own PC and at a time that is convenient for you.

How It Works

We will notify you by email of upcoming product surveys.

You will be provided with a password which will enable you to access the survey at a designated website.

We will pay for completed product evaluation surveys.

Occasionally we may ship you a product to test.

Project evaluation surveys average 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

Occasionally we may ask other members of your household to complete a questionnaire if the product is more appropriate for someone in your household other than yourself.

From time to time we may send you a few questions regarding your household. These questions assist us in sending appropriate product surveys to you. For example, we may need households who are pet owners or households who do not have pets. Your voluntary participation in these questionnaires is extremely important.

Remember... you complete all product surveys from the comfort and convenience of your PC.

If you'd like to make your voice heard, and work with a really fantastic company, join PineCone Research today!

Here is the link to the registration:
http://www.pineconeresearch.com/signup/RR588DS1.asp

If you have any questions, you can send an email to scott@pineconeresearch.com or click on the links below to learn more about PineCone Research.

http://www.pineconeresearch.com//about.HTM
http://www.pineconeresearch.com//policy.htm

Disclaimer: I was in no way compensated for this post. I have been a member of PineCone Research for many years, and they announced that registration is now open for new members. I wanted to spread the word to my readers about the opportunity of working with PineCone Research.

Only in the Mountains #11

2010-03-09T06:45:00.001-05:00

I know that the picture quality is terrible. I was driving and took the picture with my phone. (Don't tell Oprah.) But this bumper sticker was SO bad that I wanted to document it.

Yes, "your" is spelled just like I put it on the picture. I don't know which kills me more: The fact that someone bought a bumper sticker that says this (although, I must say, if they are buying a bumper sticker this tacky, they probably aren't the sharpest tool in the shed anyway) - or the fact that a company had these designed and hundreds of them printed up. Ey yi yi.

A Fabulous Preschool Learning App

2010-03-08T07:45:00.004-05:00

For Christmas, my husband bought me an iPhone. (I really have the best husband ever! I love this silly phone.)

Anyway, because I have 5 kids, the majority of my apps on my phone are dedicated to them. This way, I can keep one - or all - of them entertained while we're shopping, at the doctor's office, or any time I need to keep them quiet.

But, I don't believe in idle time being wasted. I like to know that my kids are learning, even while playing.

I happened across a preschool learning app and decided to download it. It had a cute monkey in the icon, and we all know how I feel about monkeys. Since it was only 99 cents, I figured I wouldn't waste much money if it turned out to be a flop.

Let me tell you, this has been the absolute best 99 cent investment I have ever made. Lucy absolutely loves this app, and asks to "play" it all the time.

Some of the lessons learned through this app include counting, colors, matching, letters, puzzles, and more. After several correct answers, the child gets to pick a sticker and add it to their sticker board. Throughout all the lessons, it encourages the child to keep trying, or cheers for them when they get it right.

I love this app, and I love how much Lucy is learning every time she plays with it. She never gets tired of it, and you can see the wheels in her mind constantly cranking. If you're looking for a fabulous preschool app for your iPhone or iPod touch, I definitely recommend the Monkey Preschool Lunchbox app.

Disclaimer: The opinions in this post are strictly my own. I was not contacted by anyone or asked to do this review. I simply purchased the app, loved the product, and wanted to share it with my readers. Please note that other users may have different results when using this product.

General Hospital Poster Giveaway (Closed)

2010-03-08T05:45:00.003-05:00

Things have really been heating up on General Hospital this week: Sonny is already suspected of a murder he didn’t commit, but he wants his son’s approval. He's driven to tell the truth about Claudia’s real killer. If Dante finds out the truth, what will he do now? Part of me wonders if Dante will even believe Sonny or Michael if the truth comes out. After all, Michael only wants to protect his father, and Dante wants nothing more than to put him away for life. (Man, I love a good mob story!)

To celebrate my time as a General Hospital Mom Ambassador (sniff, sniff - so sad to see the opportunity end!), Mom Central and ABC Daytime are granting me the opportunity to giveaway a digitally reproduced poster featuring autographs from 17 of the leading stars of the show!

To Enter:
Tell me how long you've been watching General Hospital and who your favorite character is (or was).

*Mandatory. If this is not done, you cannot win.

Want Extra Entries?

Blog About this Giveaway by copying and pasting the following (5 extra entries) :

Heads up, General Hospital Fans! Angie at 5 Vinez Monkeys is hosting a giveaway to celebrate her time as a General Hospital Mom Ambassador. One lucky winner will receive a digitally reproduced poster featuring autographs from 17 of the leading stars of the show! To learn more about the contest, and to enter to win, be sure to stop by before March 13th.
Follow 5 Vinez Monkeys on twitter. (Leave your twitter id here, please!)
Tweet about this contest. (1 Tweet Per DAY. Please leave a link to your tweets.)
Subscribe to us via email or reader. (Leave a comment for each that you do.)
Grab our button and put it in your sidebar. (Leave us a link to your blog, please!)
Follow our blog - either through Google's Followers Gadget or through Facebook's Networked Blogs. Leave a comment for each one that you do.
Friend me on Facebook. (Leave your facebook name, please.)
Become a Fan of General Hospital on Facebook. (Leave your facebook name, please.)
Comment on any post on the General Hospital Fan Page Wall. (Up to 5 per DAY, leave a link to your comment or copy and paste the text from your comment.)
Visit the General Hospital Fan Extras Tab and Answer this week's poll. (Using the honor method here. Can only be done once per WEEK.)
Share this giveaway on Facebook. (Once per DAY - just leave a link, or copy/paste text that you posted.)
Click any of the buttons at the bottom of the post to share this giveaway. (Unlimited - Just let me know which one{s} you shared through.)

Fine Print:
Contest is open to residents of the US. If you already do any of the above, you qualify. Please leave a comment for each of the extra entries you complete. However, you must first leave the required comment as stated above. Giveaway will end on March 13th at 11:59pm (EST), and the winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will be announced by March 14th, and will have until 11:59pm EST on Sunday, March 14th to claim their prize. Prize will be delivered 4 - 6 weeks after the end of the contest.

Disclaimer: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other General Hospital branded items to facilitate my review. Sponsor will be handling prize fulfillment.

Leave Your Contest Links Here

2010-03-07T05:45:00.002-05:00

It's time, once again, for our weekly giveaway linky. I swear, every week, Sunday just arrives faster and faster. If only it would hurry up and bring SPRING! I don't know about you, but I'm tired of snow and cold. But, being stuck at home all the time gives me lots of chances to enter giveaways. I just need to know where to go to enter!

If you are hosting a giveaway, or found a super-great giveaway somewhere on the net, we'd love to have you leave your link here.

Remember to post your links like this:
Name: Pampers Coupon (1 week of diapers) & $50 Clutch - 3/12
Link: http://www.5vinezmonkeys.com/2010/03/pampers-with-dry-max-review-giveaway.html
Shows up like this: Pampers Coupon (1 week of diapers) & $50 Clutch - 3/12

Leave your link here:

Dick's Sporting Goods Twitter Contest ($50 Gift Card - 3/31)

2010-03-05T06:45:00.002-05:00

When we lived in Ohio, it seemed like I was in Dick's Sporting Goods every week. I was very active in sports up until I started having babies. (That, my friends, is a whole different sport!) :)

Dick's Sporting Goods offers the best sporting equipment you can find anywhere. They've got a huge selection, and their staff is always super friendly. I wish we still had a Dick's Sporting Good close to us. My shape would be a whole lot less round - if you get my drift.

Today, I am excited to tell you about a fantastic opportunity that Dick's Sporting Goods has going on for you sports fanatics through their new twitter account, @dickssportcmo! Plus, I'm going to get to giveaway a $50 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card to one of my readers! Yay!

Now, here are the details of the new opportunity that Dick's Sporting Goods is offering. It's call the "Starting Lineup." And if you're interested testing/reviewing sporting goods before they come out, pay close attention. Here's how it works:

Starting Lineup Details
Enter on Twitter (http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo) for a chance to become a member of Dick’s Sporting Goods “Starting Lineup." The 10 nominees with the most votes by March 31, 2010 win.
What does it mean to be on the “Starting Lineup”?
• A chance to try out and preview new products
• A spot on an online panel of experts for one season (for approximately 3 months)
• Access to exclusive online surveys
• A chance to sound off on all things sports
How does someone try for a chance to be on the “Starting Lineup”?
• Follow http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo, if you’re not doing so already.
• Recruit people to follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter and have them vote for you by Tweeting @dickssportcmo your Twitter ID and stating why you should be nominated.
• Vote for yourself by Tweeting @dickssportcmo with your Twitter ID and stating why you should be on the “Starting Lineup.”
• You can only vote for the same person once per day, but you can vote for multiple people in the same day.
Sample Tweet: “@dickssportcmo I nominate @TwitterID for the #startinglineup because...”
Full Contest Details: http://bit.ly/dBMkl8

Ya'all need to enter! You've got until March 31st to rack up the votes, and I know you can do it! The 10 nominees with the most votes by March 31st will win. Easy peasy, right?!

Now, here's how to win the $50 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card that I get to giveaway:

To Enter

Follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter. Then, leave a comment here telling me your twitter id and that you follow them.

*Mandatory. If this is not done, you cannot win.

Want Extra Entries?

Blog About this Giveaway by copying and pasting the following (5 extra entries) :

Heads up, Sports Fan! Dick's Sporting Goods (@dickssportcmo on Twitter) has a new #startinglineup promotion going on, and you can win the chance to try out new sports gear before anyone else and give your opinion to the sports big-wigs! To learn more about the contest, and to enter to win a $50 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card, head over to the giveaway that Angie at 5 Vinez Monkeys is hosting. The contest ends March 31st, so don't delay.
Follow 5 Vinez Monkeys on twitter. (Leave your twitter id here, please!)
Tweet about this contest. (1 Tweet Per DAY.)
Nominate or vote for someone and leave your tweet link.

Finish this tweet: @dickssportcmo I nominate @TwitterId for the #startinglineup because… (1 tweet per DAY)
Nominate or vote for me - @angievinez and leave your tweet link.

Finish this tweet: @dickssportcmo I nominate @angievinez for the #startinglineup because... (2 Extra Entries - 1 tweet per DAY)
Subscribe to us via email or reader. (Leave a comment for each that you do.)
Grab our button and put it in your sidebar. (Leave us a link to your blog, please!)
Follow our blog - either through Google's Followers Gadget or through Facebook's Networked Blogs. Leave a comment for each one that you do.
Friend me on Facebook. (Leave your facebook name, please.)
Share this giveaway on Facebook. (Once per DAY - just leave a link, or copy/paste text that you posted.)
Click any of the buttons at the bottom of the post to share this giveaway. (Unlimited - Just let me know which one{s} you shared through.)

Fine Print:
Contest is open to residents of the US. If you already do any of the above, you qualify. Please leave a comment for each of the extra entries you complete. However, you must first leave the required comment as stated above. Giveaway will end on March 31th at 11:59pm (EST), and the winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will be announced by April 2nd, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Disclaimer: I was contacted on behalf of Dick's Sporting Goods and given the opportunity to spread the word about the contest and host the giveaway. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. I was in no way compensated for this post, and the Sponsor will be handling prize fulfillment.

Diaper Cakewalk Winner Announced

2010-03-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

Time to announce the winner of the Gender Neutral Diaper Cake Giveaway!

Here's who Random.org gave me:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
293
Timestamp: 2010-03-04 16:03:21 UTC

That means our lucky winner is........

#293

sodahoney said... http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/9615697388
February 25, 2010 2:08 AM

Congratulations! Please check your email. You have until Noon EST on Saturday to claim your prize.

Thanks to all who entered, and thank you to Diaper Cakewalk for sponsoring this giveaway of one of their gorgeous diaper cakes.

Tropicana Juicy Rewards Program

2010-03-03T08:45:00.002-05:00

Today, I am excited to announce that I have been chosen to be a Juicy Rewards Insider Ambassador. (Many thanks to Mom Central and Tropicana for that honor!)

So, what exactly does that mean?

It means that I get to tell you all about the exciting things that Tropicana is doing through their Juicy Rewards Program. Have you registered yet? If not - why not? The Juicy Rewards Program is a great way to help you save money. In fact, there are over 20,000 ways to save on everything from golf and workout gear to waterpark and zoo admissions.

One carton can save you up to $15, and three can save you up to $45! That, my friends, can really add up to some great savings!

If you haven't signed up yet, let me encourage you to do so. It's really easy to do, and I'll even give you a code that will help you get your first point.

Here's how to register and get your bonus point:

Head to www.tropicana.com
Set up your Tropicana Juicy Rewards account. (It only takes a minute!)
Click on the "Enter Codes" link on the site, and insert the code MOMCE-NTRAL

Please note: This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY, and it must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account.

And don't forget to Follow and fan Tropicana on Facebook and Twitter:

Over the next few months, I'll be spending the points I earn, and sharing my experiences with you. My kids and I love Tropicana, so the hardest part of the whole experience will be deciding how to spend those points! Hope you'll join me in the journey. And if you get a really great deal thanks to the Juicy Rewards Program, I want to hear about it!

Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

Wordless Wednesday: Willy Wonka by Zander

2010-03-03T04:45:00.003-05:00

If you're participating in Wordless Wednesday, leave your link here:

Pampers with Dry Max (Review & Giveaway - CLOSED)

2010-03-02T07:15:00.002-05:00

Several weeks ago, I told you all about the new and improved diapers that Pampers was introducing and told you how to get your free sample pack by heading to Pampers.com.

Pampers sent me a 31 pack of their new Cruisers with Dry Max to test out on Parker. Before I get to my review, I want to remind you about the changes Pampers has made to their diapers.

Dry Max Facts
Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max is the brand's first high performance diaper and the biggest innovation for the Pampers brand in the last 25 years. Pampers has invented the Dry Max technology and applied it to the current Swaddlers and Cruisers core, which allows the diaper to be 20 percent thinner than current Pampers Cruisers without sacrificing any performance. This hard-working diaper locks wetness away and is Pampers' driest diaper ever. New Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max have game-changing benefits for mom, baby and the world.

My Review of Pampers with Dry Max
As I mentioned above, I received a pack of the new and improved Pampers to test out on Parker. Since Parker is one who refuses to sit still, is always movin' and groovin', and goes through more diapers than any kid I've ever seen before, I was excited to find out if these diapers could stand up to him.

I opened the pack of diapers and was quite impressed. Not only were the diapers thinner, (by a lot!), they were soft. Inside and out, the diapers were soft to the touch, and I knew they would be gentle on Parker's sensitive skin.

I was quite concerned about how thin they were. Before I put the first diaper on Parker, I mentioned to hubby that I was certain Parker would blow through this pack of diapers in 3 days. There was no way they could absorb anything, and I'd be changing him constantly.

After a couple of hours, I checked Parker. He had wet, but the diaper didn't leak. I left it on another 2 hours just to see if the diaper could take it. After all, down here, if you want to go anywhere, you have to drive for hours. That means there can be up to 4 hours between diaper changes. I needed to know that these diapers could hold everything I needed them to hold. After 4 hours, the diaper still never leaked. Impressive - especially for something so thin.

The diapers have consistently held up, and haven't leaked once the entire time we've been using them. Even during the night, when Parker is sleeping for 8 - 10 hours, there are no leaks. It's fabulous!

There are several things I absolute love about the new Pampers with Dry Max:

The softness - They really are soft and gentle - perfect for even the most sensitive skin.
The thinness - No more bulk! I love that! Now I need to find pants that will actually stay up on Parker's behind, since there's no more diaper bulk holding them up.
The trendy designs - Everyone loves Sesame Street, but these diapers are really cute! I love the design that covers the entire diaper. Definitely not boring, and it features some of Parker's favorite friends - Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Ernie to name a few.
The fact that they're made by Pampers - and Pampers is a brand I can trust - and have trusted with all of my kids when they were in diapers.

I've been trying to come up with something that I could tell Pampers to help improve these new diapers, but I really can't. There isn't a thing I would change about them. I am really, really impressed with these diapers. Pampers, you get 2 thumbs up from me, and a "bottoms-up" from Parker. We love them!

Want to try Pampers with Dry Max for Yourself?
To Buy: Starting in Late March, you'll be able to purchase the new Pampers with Dry Max at local retailers all over the country.

You Can Win! American Pop Digital and Pampers are offering up a fantastic prize to one of my readers. One (1) lucky winner will get a Liz Lange designer diaper clutch AND a redeemable coupon for a free week’s supply of diapers of the all-new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max. The clutch retails for $50 and is 100% polyester with genuine leather trim.

To Enter:
Head to the Pampers website and have a look around. Tell me one feature of the new and improved diapers that you're looking forward to testing out.
*Mandatory. If this is not done, you cannot win.

Want Extra Entries?

Blog About this Giveaway by copying and pasting the following (5 extra entries) :

Pampers introduces new Cruisers with Dry Max! Angie at 5 Vinez Monkeys is hosting a giveaway on her blog, and is giving one of her readers a gorgeous Liz Lange designer diaper clutch AND a redeemable coupon for a free week’s supply of diapers of the all-new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max! Be sure to stop by before 11:59pm ET on March 12th, get all the details, and enter to win!
Subscribe to us via email or reader. (Leave a comment for each that you do.)
Follow 5 Vinez Monkeys on twitter. (Leave your twitter handle here, please!)
Follow Pampers on Twitter. (Leave your twitter handle here, please!)
Tweet about this contest. (Unlimited - just leave a comment for each tweet!)
Become a fan of Pampers on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook name, please.)
Grab our button and put it in your sidebar. (Leave us a link to your blog, please!)
Follow our blog - either through Google's Followers Gadget or through Facebook's Networked Blogs. Leave a comment for each one that you do.
Friend me on Facebook. (Leave your facebook name, please.)
Share this giveaway on Facebook. (Unlimited - just leave a link, or copy/paste text that you posted.)
Click any of the buttons at the bottom of the post to share this giveaway. (Unlimited - Just let me know which one{s} you shared through.)

Fine Print:
Contest is open to residents of the US. If you already do any of the above, you qualify. Please leave a comment for each of the extra entries you complete. However, you must first leave the required comment as stated above. Giveaway will end on March 12th at 11:59pm (EST), and the winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will be announced by March 13th, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Disclaimer: I contacted by American Pop Digital on behalf of Pampers and received a week's supply of diapers to facilitate my review. The free samples have not influenced my opinion in any way, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I was in no other way compensated for this post. Please note that other users may have different results or experiences when using this product.

General Hospital: Get to Know Brandon Barash

2010-03-02T04:45:00.005-05:00

Brandon Barash plays Johnny Zacchara on General Hospital. Want to get an insider's look at a Port Charles favorite? Here's a never-before-seen interview with the actor.

Enjoy!

Interview Transcription

Q: What would you do if you could turn back time?
A: I would meet Benjamin Franklin.

Q: What do you do in your down time?
A: I like playing music, standing on my head, walking around in nature -- and if I’m really feeling ambitious, I’ll do all three at the same time.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for a love scene?
A: The best way to prepare for a love scene is by spending lots of hours at the gym.

Q: What is your favorite sport?
A: Basketball – college or NBA.

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t an actor?
A: If I could not act I would NOT be one of those people who give you tickets for expired parking meter. I would be a surgeon or a police office in Alaska. Only in Alaska.

Q: Describe your perfect date.
A: My perfect date is being with a girl I can talk to.

Q: What is one of your favorite things to do?
A: When it is just me and my dad my favorite thing is to sit outside, drink a scotch and talk about nothing.

Q: What do you do for Thanksgiving?
A: I spend Thanksgiving with both sides of my large extended family.

Q: Describe your most memorable moment on GH.
A: When Jonny was shot 5 times and survived it, recovered and went to a wedding the next day.

Q: What was the most memorable moment of pop culture in 2009?
A: Clearly it was when we lost the late and great MJ.

Catch Brandon Barash on General Hospital weekdays on ABC and weeknights on SoapNet.

This week on GH, a cop is determined to put his mobster father behind bars and might have to use his brother to do it. Also this week, Dante questions his own brother — will Michael confess or will Dante realize on his own that it was Michael who was responsible for killing Claudia and not Sonny?

You aren't going to want to miss this week!

Disclaimer: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other General Hospital branded items to facilitate my review.

WOW! Babystar Totes Just $29.99!

2010-03-01T06:45:00.001-05:00

You all know how much I love my babystar tote. It's the perfect bag for my laptop, and I use it all the time. (And it's pink and sparkly - it just can't get any better than that!)

Well, now it can get better, because babystar has all their totes on sale for just $29.99! (Regular price: $60)

But, you have to hurry. This offer isn't going to last long. In fact, it will end at midnight PST on 3/3/10.

Click here to start shopping: Rock the Tote

And, while you're visiting babystar.com, be sure to enter to win a free tote. After all, one can never have too many bags!

Disclaimer: The PR department of babystar alerted me about this sale. I was in no way compensated for this post, and the opinions expressed in this post are my own. Other users may have different opinions of this product.