Callista's Ramblings

The Great Gadget Giveaway - 1/23-2/06

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:10:00 +0000

It is a perfect time to showcase your favorite Tech Gadgets. Kobiso and Madame Deals are proud to present the Great Gadget Giveaway where the grand prize is a Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N Router ($179.99) AND AfterShokz bone conduction headphones. You can enter here.

I have a $10 Amazon gift code for one US/CAN winner. US residents can use towards a gadget of their choice or anything else. Canadians can get a book about gadgets! After you enter here, use the linky below to visit the other blogs too!

The prize is being sponsored by a fellow blogger. The go to gal for all things technology and books, Tethered Mommy.

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it or have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Giveaway open US/CAN 18+. Giveaway open until Feb 6, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winners will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on February 7, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the other participating bloggers and enter their giveaways:

*Disclosure: I did not receive compensation of any kind. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: Valentine's Date Night $300 Cash #VALENTINESCASH

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Starting Sunday January 22nd The Freebie Junkie and many other fabulous bloggers are offering (1) reader the chance to win $300 in our Valentine's Date Night Cash Giveaway Event

Click Read More if you don't see the widget

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

New Year New Reads Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:35:00 +0000

Thanks SO much to the sponsors for my New Year New Reads Giveaway. Each of the books that are being given away in the event will be reviewed on SMS Book Reviews. Normally they would have been done before the end of the event but some still haven't made it through the mail to me and there are a lot of books, it takes time to read them.

Here is a list of all the books and when they have been reviewed, they will be linked directly to the review for your convenience. So even if you aren't sure if the books are for you, enter now! You only have 4 days left. If you don't win, you can use the reviews to determine if you wish to purchase the book.

The 4-1-1 on Life Skills by Michele Sfakianos, RN, BSN
101 Things I Hate About Your House by James Swan with Carol Beggy
1% Solution for Work and Life: How to Make Your Next 30 Days The Best Ever by Tom Connellan
The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life: How to Get Through Life's Holes Without Getting Stuck in Them! by Judith Belmont and Lora Shor
Courtesy Bootcamp by Anthonette Klinkerman
Cows Can't Quack by Dave Reisman
Red is Best Board Book by Kathy Stinson
Dogs Don't Eat Jam by Sarah Tsiang
Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet by Ruth Ohi
Likeable Social Media : How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (and Other Social Networks) by Dave Kerpen
How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie Training

The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting by Michele Sfakianos
What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child with Autism by Bobbi Sheahan and Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D.
Grilled Cheese Please! by Laura Werlin
The Busy Mum's Cookbook by Mary Gwynn
The Berlin Cookbook by Rose Marie Donhauser

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: iPad2 and Kindle Fire (Rafflecopter Launch)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:28:00 +0000

If you haven't already heard Rafflecopter is hosting a giveaway for an iPad2 AND a Kindle Fire to celebrate that Rafflecopter is OUT of BETA. That's right, you can sign up for Rafflecopter and use it to run your giveaways too!

Please say Callista's Ramblings referred you! Open US/CAN till Feb 9th 12:01 AM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: If I refer the winner, I receive a Kindle Fire. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Savory Summer 2012 is Taking Signups

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:33:00 +0000

Measuring Flower and Graphoniac are taking signups for the 2012 Savoury Summer Giveaway Hop. All prizes must have something to do with food or cooking in some way or another.

"Savory Summer will be featuring all things food and food-related that can be enjoyed during the summer. Basically, if it is something that a human being can eat, eat with, eat off of, cook, cook with, prepare food with…it belongs in this event!" - from the sign up page

Go on over there, read the rules and sign up!

Tim Hortons Ups Their Cup Size

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:53:00 +0000

Tim Hortons seems to be following along with other companies (especially in the US) whose drink sizes are super sizes. The official date for the change is Jan 23, 2012 but there are some stores that have already made the switch. So find out if they've switched before you order unless you don't mind getting a bigger size.

Tim Hortons says that the prices will not change but some of my friends think it's just a matter of time before the prices go up, but that it will be deemed separate from the bigger cup sizes.

What do you think? Are you happy the cup sizes are changing? Would you buy the new XL? Do you think the prices will go up later? Chime in below!

*Disclosure: I am sharing this information because my readers may want to know. No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: Monday Money Madne$$ Fla$h Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Welcome to the MONDAY MONEY MADNESS FLA$H GIVEAWAY! Each Monday in January a great group of bloggers have gotten together to give you the chance to win $15.00 cash- enter on Monday, have your cash by Tuesday! Sweet! Simple Entry via Rafflecopter. OPEN WORLDWIDE TO ANYONE WITH A PAYPAL ACCOUNT! Good Luck!!

Giveaway Not Hosted By Me - Click Read More to see widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: Extreme Cash Giveaway - Win $500 (1/16-2/12)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It’s time for an EXTREME CASH GIVEAWAY! I have teamed up with my blogger friends to bring you an extreme cash prize. One lucky winner will receive $500 in their Paypal account at the end of this giveaway!

To enter, simply follow each of our blogs via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and any other way you’d like! All the links are provided for you and you can do as many as you choose. This giveaway ends 2/12/12 at 11:59 pm EST and is open worldwide.

You only need to enter this giveaway on one of our blogs -- good luck!

Click Read More if you don't see the widget

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Lovable Labels Friendship Pack (Toast to 2012 Sponsor)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:59:00 +0000

Lovable Labels is a great place to get personalized labels for your child, no matter what you plan on labelling. I've reviewed products from Lovable Labels before: Wire Tags and Holly Jolly Gift Pack.

Lovable Labels has added a new fun set you may be interested in. The Friendship Pack has 120 labels (30 Sticker Labels, 80 Slimline Labels, 10 Fun Stickies) PLUS you get a FREE Friendship Sampler (40 Slimline Labels) for a friend!

There are two colour sets to choose from, as shown below.

I chose to get labels for my younger daughter and we have already used one of her heart shaped fun stickies to label the DSi she got for Christmas. I chose the pink and purple set because Alastrin is a girly girl and pink is her favourite colour (plus she loves hearts.) However if your child isn't into pink and purple, there is the more bold colour design with a star fun sticky to choose from.

We love Lovable Labels because:

They are dishwasher safe
They are microwave safe
They are easy to apply
They STAY STUCK
They are bold but simple
They are a great price

With the Friendship Pack, we get to gift a friend with some labels of their own! Both sets come wrapped in red foil so it's already ready to give as a gift.

Check out Lovable Labels Blog which not only features product information and company news but also posts on everyday life. Also be sure to connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to Lovable Labels for sponsoring a prize in the Toast to 2012 Giveaway Hop. You have a chance to win a Friendship Pack until Jan 17, 2012 - so hurry!

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Taking Signups for the Support New Bloggers Cash Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:23:00 +0000

Callista's Ramblings is hosting it's first event with the help of Going Crazy!! Wanna Go?? It's for new bloggers only, take a look! We'll have a button for you soon!

WHEN: Feb 18-28
PRIZE: PayPal Cash, amount TBD
Join in for as little as $3

Details on the sign up form. If you join, it would be MUCH appreciated if you help spread the word by posting about it or telling your new blogger friends (do NOT post in any groups unless you have permission from the group owner.)

SIGN UP AND MORE INFO HERE

Sign Up for Facebook Blast

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Sign up for the Amazon Facebook Blast from Sason and Pobi and increase your FB followers by the hundreds for only $1.50

I participated in her first twitter blast and I gained TONS of followers! The event is Feb 1-15 so sign up now!

Signs Ups Open for Ohh, Baby, Baby Giveaway Hop (April)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:44:00 +0000

Ohh, Baby, Baby Giveaway Hop sponsored by The Shopping Duck is taking signups now. This blog hop event will take place from April 1, 2012 to April 15, 2012. Come join the fun!

Free signup if you post or you can pay $5 to be included in the grand prize rafflecopter.

GIVEAWAY: Chinese New Year Hop - Stopain Cold US/CAN, Blog Ad WW - 1/23

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Welcome to the Chinese New Year Hop, brought to you by How Was Your Day? 2012 is the Year of the Dragon!

Grand Prize!

The Dragon is a sacred symbol in Chinese astrology. A dragon is symbolic of power and superiority, rather than a threatening symbol. People born under the sign of the dragon are special, considered widely to be strong and wise.

There are more than 60 blogs participating, each with a minimum $25 prize package! We also have a Grand Prize. You can earn entries for the Grand Prize by entering the giveaways hosted on each blog.

You'll definitely want to see what everyone has to offer!

I have two prizes for this giveaway:
1) - Stopain Cold Prize Pack
2) - One Month Sidebar Advertising on my blog.

My sponsor for this giveaway is Stopain Cold

Stopain makes pain relief products in roll-on, spray or gel. They STOP the pain instead of just numbing it. Stopain Cold provides immediate penetrating pain relief from Arthritis, Muscle Aches, Back Pain, Strains, Bruises and Sprains.

The following ingredients is what makes Stopain Cold work:
- menthol
- peppermint oil
- eucalyptus oil
- Extra-strength Stopain also contain glucosamine and MSM

Stopain Cold is available online or in stores in the US and Canada. You can see the full list here but in Canada, you can find it at Zellers, Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu.

I have not had a chance to try it yet as I didn't want to use it when I didn't have pain since it's a medication. However I much prefer topical analgesics for certain pain than oral medications.

The other prize is a month free advertising on my blog. You will get the premium spot at the top of the sidebar for 30 days starting from the day I get your ad up. This is for those with blogs only, no businesses.

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it or have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Stopain Cold open US/CAN 18+. Blog Ad open WW 18+. Giveaway open until Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winners will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on January 24, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit Participating Blogs:

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Toast to 2012 Giveaway Hop (Lovable Labels/101 Things I Hate About Your House) + Grand Prizes (US/CAN) #ToastTo2012

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Toast to 2012 is hosted by Sweep Tight and Just Married with Coupons and the Grand Prize is sponsored by Likeographers.com

Likeographers.com is a website where users from all over the world can enter awesome giveaways where they can win items such as gift cards and makeup by simply signing up and uploading a candid photo. Likeographers.com is dedicated to providing a place where users can upload a picture of their likes, share them with the world and win awesome prizes.

Toast to 2012 GRAND PRIZE! Make sure to ENTER TO WIN 1 of 5 $100 Paypal or Visa Gift Cards!!!

As a participating blog, I am giving away:

- Friendship Pack from Lovable Labels
(Jam-Packed with 120 labels this is a value you can't pass up! *ADDED BONUS* You can share with a friend! Purchase any Friendship Pack and receive a FREE Friendship Sampler (40 Slimline Labels) for a friend!)

- 101 Things I Hate About Your House by James Swan with Carol Beggy
(A Premier Designer Takes You on a Room-by-Room Tour to Transform Your Home from Faux to Fabulous)

"101 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOUR HOUSE starts at the street, moves through the front door, and doesn't stop until it has taken a peek into every room of the house. Swan numbers the “101 Things” that make up this book so readers can easily reference items they find helpful, painful, or just too funny to forget, including the following:

#1. Dreary Little Mess: Nothing screams "dreary little mess" quite like a front door masquerading as last winter's snow tires. Clean it up. Wipe it down. Patch it, paint it, stain it, wax it, but just get the door to your home speaking a civilized language that is perfectly synchronized with the impression you want to make." - Quote from website.

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it or have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Open US/CAN 18+. Giveaway open until Jan 17, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winner will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on January 18, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the Other Participating Blogs:

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: New Year, New Reads Giveaway Hop (US/CAN) Nonfiction/Childrens/Social Media/Parenting/Cooking

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the New Year, New Reads Giveaway Hop!

Click here to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway!

When you enter, be sure to say that Callista's Ramblings referred you!

I have a couple of prize packages for you, not all of which are ready yet. All books will be reviewed at SMS Book Reviews during the course of this event.

ALL Retail Values listed are list price and are in USD (COVER ART COMING SOON)

Prize Package #1 - "Life" - US/CAN - Sponsored by Michele Sfakianos, James Swan, Tom Connellan, Judith A. Belmont and Anthonette Klinkerman.

The 4-1-1 on Life Skills by Michele Sfakianos, RN, BSN (RV: $14.95)

101 Things I Hate About Your House by James Swan (RV: $18.95)

1% Solution for Work and Life: How to Make Your Next 30 Days The Best Ever by Tom Connellan (RV: $20)

The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life: How to Get Through Life's Holes Without Getting Stuck in Them! by Judith Belmont and Lora Shor (RV: $20)

Courtesy Bootcamp by Anthonette Klinkerman (RV: $8)

TOTAL RV: $81.90

Prize Package #2 - "Children's Books Ages 0-6" - Canada Only - Sponsored by Jumping Cow Press and Annick Press

Cows Can't Quack by Dave Reisman ($8)

Red is Best Board Book by Kathy Stinson ($7)

Dogs Don't Eat Jam by Sarah Tsiang ($9)

Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet by Ruth Ohi ($7)

Annick Press Bookmarks

TOTAL RV: $31 + bookmarks

Prize Package #3 - Social Media - Sponsored by Simon & Schuster UK and McGraw-Hill PR

Likeable Social Media : How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (and Other Social Networks) by Dave Kerpen (RV: $20)

How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie Training (RV: $26)

TOTAL RV: $46

Prize Package #4 - Parenting - Sponsored by Michele Sfakianos, Bobbi Sheahan

The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting by Michele Sfakianos (RV: $14.95)
What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child with Autism by Bobbi Sheahan and Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D. (RV: $14.95)

TOTAL RV: $29.90

Prize Package #5 - Cooking/Food - Sponsored by Simon & Schuster UK and Berlinica

Grilled Cheese Please! by Laura Werlin (RV: $17)
The Busy Mum's Cookbook by Mary Gwynn (RV: $32)

The Berlin Cookbook by Rose Marie Donhauser (RV: $20)

TOTAL RV: $69

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it or have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Open US/CAN 18+. Giveaway open until Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winner will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on January 24, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

NOTE: There are a lot of ways to enter because I have a lot of sponsors. You only have to do the first one but for each one you do, your chances will be much higher. Remember these people and companies are the reason you are able to enter for these books. The entries are grouped by type so if you are looking for certain ones to do, it should be easier. Thanks.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop along and enter to win some great prizes from the participating blogs!

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: New Year, New Reads Grand Prize Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:09:00 +0000

Welcome to the New Year, New Reads Grand Prize Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter all of the other great giveaways being offered as part of the hop! Hop along!

*Disclosure: No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: Monday Money Madne$$ Fla$h Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:45:00 +0000

Welcome to the MONDAY MONEY MADNESS FLA$H GIVEAWAY! Each Monday in January a great group of bloggers have gotten together to give you the chance to win $20.00 cash- enter on Monday, have your cash by Tuesday! Sweet! Simple Entry via Rafflecopter. OPEN WORLDWIDE TO ANYONE WITH A PAYPAL ACCOUNT! Good Luck!!

Giveaway Not Hosted By Me - Click Read More to see widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Phit Grip - Antimicrobial Non-Slip Shopping Cart Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:07:00 +0000

There are all kinds of products on the market that protect babies from the germs of shopping carts but what about adults without children, or those who didn't bring their children? How can they prevent getting germs while shopping?

PhitGrip is a company that makes antimicrobial non slip grips for weight lifting and now they have a special grip for shopping carts.

The grip doesn't just cover the cart with something clean to hold on to, it also has a anti-microbial surface that scares away staph and e coli germs. Plus it provides a nice comfortable grip which is easier on your hands and its only $11.99!

You could easily stick it in your car with your reusable grocery bags to be taken into a store with you whenever you go. It feels like foam so it could easily be wiped clean before the next use or even bent to fit into a tight spot in your car.

Buy Here and check Phit Grip out on Facebook and Twitter

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: Monday Money Madne$$ Fla$h Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the MONDAY MONEY MADNESS FLA$H GIVEAWAY! Each Monday in January a great group of bloggers have gotten together to give you the chance to win $25.00 cash- enter on Monday, have your cash by Tuesday! Sweet! Simple Entry via Rafflecopter. OPEN WORLDWIDE TO ANYONE WITH A PAYPAL ACCOUNT! Good Luck!!

Giveaway Not Hosted By Me - Click Read More to see widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure:No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Winner of January's MEGA blog Ad Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:13:00 +0000

Congratulations Dree!

Dree of Dree's Things is the winner of January's MEGA blog Ad Campaign!

About Dree

I am a married mother of two. We have a new baby girl and a 20 year old son. We also have two dachshunds. I currently blog mostly about baby topics. I'm interested in reviewing products and am just starting a series of my top ten baby must have products.

Dree's Things

Dree has a beautiful baby girl, and reviews FANTASTIC baby products! You've got to come see this little cutie!

Make sure to stop by and congratulate her on the win!!
SIGN UPS are now open for the next giveaway! If you would like to join us in hosting this event, sign up HERE! HURRY! Space is limited!

GIVEAWAY: Brugo Mug - Unique Travel Mug (Worldwide)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:57:00 +0000

The Brugo Mug is the ultimate gift idea for a hot drink lover! Check out my review here.

Brugo has been nice enough to allow me to giveaway one travel mug (random colour) to one reader of this blog!

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it or have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Open Worldwide 18+. Giveaway open until Jan 14, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winner will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on January 15, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Brugo Mug - Temperature Controlled Hot Beverage Travel Mug

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:28:00 +0000

Do you drink a lot of hot beverages like Coffee, Tea or even Hot Chocolate? Do you burn your tongue on the first sip and then half way through have to dump the rest because it's gone cold? Not anymore!

The Brugo Mug is a uniquely designed mug that controls the temperature of your hot drink so that each sip is the perfect temperature.

There is a special chamber at the top of the cup and when you have it set to tip/sip, you can tip the cup to put a bit of the drink into the chamber, then swirl a few times to cool it, and then sip it! The more you swirl, the cooler the sip will be. Then when the rest of the drink is cool enough (less than half left), you can set it to sip and just sip normally.

There are three settings on the lid:

1. Lock - Makes the cup spill proof, lock it when say it's on your desk and you aren't drinking from it or it's in your cup holder in the car.
2. Sip - You use this when your drink is less than half and cooled enough that it won't burn you anymore. This makes it act like a regular mug.
3. Tip and Cool - What makes this mug unique - allows the drink to enter the special cooling chamber.

The cups are well designed, heavy enough to not tip over easy but not so heavy it hurts to hold it. They come in a wide variety of colours and even in some muted darker colours in the executive collection.

See how it works:

I don't drink coffee or tea but I tried it with Hot Chocolate. It took me a little while to get the hang of how much to tip and how much to swirl to get the desired temperature of drink but I figured it out. At one point when the drink was about half full, I figured I didn't need to swirl anymore because I had forgotten about my drink for about 20 minutes. So I switched to regular sip and took a drink and burned my mouth! I'm not used to a drink staying so hot for so long!

If you drink a hot beverage every now and again and usually always in a house or building, you may not need the Brugo but this is definitely great for those who drink coffee while in the car or on the go in any other way or who love their drinks very hot. My mother loves her tea hot so she has to drink it really fast or it will cool down and she won't like it. I will be giving her my Brugo Mug so she can enjoy her tea and still drink it hot.

The Brugo Mug would make an AWESOME gift for a coffee or tea lover in your life. A belated Christmas gift, birthday gift, upcoming Mother's or Father's Day gift, or just an anyday gift!

Check out Brugo Mug on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out the website for specials like 25% off when you buy 2 or more and Free Standard Shipping on orders over $75 (these specials are Canadian but you can click to your countries website to find your own specials)

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

GIVEAWAY: Rachel Rene Bath & Body Gift Set

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:03:00 +0000

You can see my review of Rachel Rene Bath and Body.

The founder Christine has offered up a sampler pack like the one I reviewed for a giveaway.

The winner will receive one of each of the following (in random scents):

Bath Bomb
Body Mousse
Body Polish
Lip Butter
Handmade Soap

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. If you don't know how to use it or have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

Also Christine has offered 15% off your order if you decided to order within the next 2 weeks with code "Callista".

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
One Person Per Household. Open to US/CAN 18+. Giveaway open until Jan 6, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winner will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on January 7, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Rachel Rene Bath & Body (Christmas Gift Guide)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:39:00 +0000

Rachel Rene Bath and Body is a business started by a mom (Christine) when she discovered her knack for homemade products after making a milk bath for her daughter (Rene.)

She sells such products as bath bombs, lotions, handmade soap, body polish, body mousse and body mists, plus she has a men's line and gift sets and she can do wholesale orders too and large orders such as for a Bridal Shower.

I was sent a few products to try out, here are my thoughts.

Bath Bombs

I have not had a chance to try the Bath Bomb yet (what mom has time for a bath!?) but it's a very large size compared to what I was expecting so I'm sure it would be great in a bath. Some small ones often feel like they aren't even there in a full bath, but this one wouldn't have that problem. It smelled very strongly too so it should be just the right strength of fragrance in the water.

Body Mousse

The Body Mousse is HEAVENLY. If you have extremly dry or itchy skin, this is the ultimate moisturizer. It was like caking my skin in butter but it wasn't too greasy afterwards. It just took a few rubbings to have it soaked all the way in. The one I tried was Oatmeal, Milk & Honey and it has a pleasant, but not overpowering smell in the jar and on your skin for a while after application.

Body Polish

Body Polish is for use in the shower. It's a grainy scrub used to exfoliate with. It's great for sloughing off that dead skin, especially on those rough patches such as your elbows and knees. I have always loved using these types of sloughing products in the shower but they often leave you feeling grainy, greasy or just not quite clean. RR Body Polish is designed to leave you refreshed, smelling nice and clean.

Lip Butter

Lip Butter is just a fancy way of saying lip balm. I was sent the Margarita fragrance and let me just say, YUMMY! I am not a drinker but this lip butter smells DELICIOUS! I could smell it all day. It goes on smooth and lasts a while and you can STILL SMELL IT when it's on your lips! MMMM. If you like lip balm, you will LOVE the Rachel Rene Lip butter. I wonder if the other scents smell as good as this one! Lip butters are available in tubes or pots.

Handmade Soap

I'm not a soap person. I usually use body wash. However I know many people love the look of handmade soaps. They can add whimsy to your bathroom. I mean just LOOK at the options! They are so pretty, some look good enough to eat! (BUT DON'T!)

You can find Rachel Rene Bath and Body all over the web at her main website and store, Facebook, Twitter and her blog.

COUPON CODE: 15% off your order within the next 2 weeks with code "Callista".

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW/GIVEAWAY: My Friendship Bracelet Maker and My Ribbon Barette Maker (Christmas Gift Guide)

noreply@blogger.com (Callista) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:34:00 +0000

I have the COOLEST toy for the school age girl on your Christmas list!

What girl doesn't like to make friendship bracelets or wear pretty barrettes? Well okay I'm sure there are some girls not interested in this but my girls sure are!

Now your child can make friendship bracelets with ease and without putting a hole in her pants by pinning the thread with a safety pin to her knee (how I made bracelets when I was younger.)

The Friendship Bracelet Maker has a clip to hold the bracelet in place, spaced out slots for each of the strings to keep them untangled and a slide out tray with multi coloured threads and instructions. The instructions tell you how to do a basic bracelet but you can check out the website for more patterns via video or pdf.

My girls are a bit young for friendship bracelets at 4 and (almost) 6 but they were able to do it with lots of help. I still want to try making one myself. Just by helping them though I was able to see how nice it was to have the strings all separated instead of all jumbled up! No more pinning it to your pants either.

My Ribbon Barrette Maker comes with 8 metal clips that you can turn in to a beautiful 2 colour hair decoration with beads that hang down. It comes with many different coloured ribbons and beads and the 8 clips. The top part has the spacers to hold your ribbons in place when they are not in use and a barrette holder for the barrette.

My girls loved the barrette maker and even at ages 4 and (almost) 6, they were able to make their own barrette with a bit of help. My only qualm is that the barrette don't stay put in my girl's hair but then they have very thick crazy hair and they roll all over the place when the play. I suppose if it was in their hair during an event where they would be sitting nice the whole time, it would stay in better.

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Callista's Ramblings

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Sponsored by HowardComputers.com

Hosted by Formula Mom, Tales From the Nursery, and ShePromotes

Click here to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway!

Hop along and enter to win some great prizes from the participating blogs!

GIVEAWAY: New Year, New Reads Grand Prize Giveaway!

Welcome to the New Year, New Reads Grand Prize Giveaway!

Sponsored by
HowardComputers.com

Hosted by Formula Mom, Tales From the Nursery, & ShePromotes

Don't forget to enter all of the other great giveaways being offered as part of the hop! Hop along!

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REVIEW/GIVEAWAY: My Friendship Bracelet Maker and My Ribbon Barette Maker (Christmas Gift Guide)