Birthday Event Day 2: Balloon Time!

Nothing adds extra excitement to a party than adding balloons!  Balloon Time offers helium balloon kits where you can fill the balloons up yourself in your home.  No longer will you have to fill the balloons in the store and deal with the trouble of gathering them together and stuffing them in your car and hope that they make the travel in one piece without losing one or two.  Not to mention, the cold climate I live intends to affect the quality of life the helium-filled balloons have from the drastic changes in temperature from being in a warm store to being brought in the chilly weather outside.  With these kits, you get longer use out of the balloons and everything you could possibly need to fill your own helium balloons at home comes in one box and ready to go!

Since it was Molly’s milestone 1st birthday, I used the Combo Balloon Time Kit that provides 5 foil balloons as well as 20 colorful latex balloons.   They also have 30 count, 50 count, and sticker face balloon kits so you can choose what will fit your party best.   The process to fill the balloons couldn’t be easier.  All you do is attach the balloon you want to fill, turn the knob of the helium tank clockwise, and press down on the nozzle with your fingers holding the balloon in place.  You then tie the balloon and attach the spool of ribbon that’s included with the kit.  In no time, we had 25 balloons filled!

I chose to put the balloons together to form a balloon bouquet and attached them to the birthday girl’s high chair but of course, as soon as the children got there, they wanted to play with them so they didn’t last long being tied up to the chair.   I had so much fun watching the kids enjoy the balloons and seeing Molly’s face light up when she saw them hanging above her head when she sat in her chair.  I think it gave her a greater sense to realize that this special day was for her!

How would you like to win a voucher for a Free Balloon Time Kit to add some fun to your party?  All you have to do is visit Balloon Time and leave a comment with which balloon kit you’d choose for your next celebration!

Want to earn extra entries???

Here’s how you can:

  1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  2. Blog about this blessing and link back to it.
  3. Twitter about this giveaway and leave a comment with your Twitter name.
  4. Advertise your blog on my blog through Entrecard.
  5. Fave my blog on Technorati.
  6. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code if you already have it please)
  7. Mega Entries:  You can earn 5 entries for signing up for their newsletter here or join the Party Club here!  Please leave a comment stating which you signed up and a comment for each additional entry!

Birthday Bonus Entries: Enter any other Birthday Event Giveaway to get 5 additional entries and you can keep earning these additional entries for each extra giveaway you enter!

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so. I urge you to also supply your email with each of your entries so I’ll be able to contact you easily if you’re the winner.

Winners who I am unable to contact and who don’t claim their prize within 72 hours of me posting the winner of the prize will forfeit their prize and I will redraw a new winner. Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! This Blessing is open to bloggers and non bloggers alike. You have from now until March 21st at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. I will randomly pick a winner and announce it here on my blog shortly after March 22nd! Blessing open to the USA and Canada only!

 

Battle The Bug With Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues and $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!

Despite the weather and season, the cold and flu bug travels and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.  As a parent, I’m constantly washing my hands and ensuring my kids have followed suit and picked up this bug fighting habit.  Whether you’re a parent, teacher or nurse, the cold and flu bug is out there all year long so it’s good to be prepared!  With Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues, you can actually kill viruses in the tissue, so you can fight the bug all year long.  What a great way to help stop the bug before it spreads!

Check out these fun Battle the Bug webisodes brought to you by Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues:

Giveaway Time:  A lucky Blessings Abound reader will win Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues and a $50 Visa Gift Card!  All you have to do in order to be qualified to win is to check out www.battlethebug.com and leave a comment with ways you battle the bug all year long!

5 Extra Entries: Blog about this Blessing, linking to this giveaway post.

1 Extra Entry Each:

  1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  2. Twitter about this blessing and comment that you did with your twitter id.
  3. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  4. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update with my new url please)
  5. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design and url please.

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and nonbloggers alike.  You have from now until June 30th11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick a winners and announce it here on my blog shortly after July 1st!  Blessing open to USA!

 

Aquafresh Mom Works Beyond Giveaway!

As a mom, every day requires us to sacrifice and do what’s best for our children. Through all the challenges, we find the joy in raising our children and do what it takes to ensure they grow up to be happy, successful individuals.  Sometimes, there are obstacles that can get in the way, but as moms, we find a way to overcome them as only a mother can do!  Aquafresh wants to celebrate with those moms who have not only gone beyond the call of duty as a mother, but also as a wife, a teacher, a referee, a handyman, a comforter, and more.  They are committed to lending moms a hand by supplying them with products, such as the amazing Iso-Active Whitening Toothpaste, that achieves 33% better whitening compared to a non-whitening toothpaste.  Additionally, they have started the Mom Works Beyond Campaign where you can share your story of how you’ve gone up and beyond your call of duty as a mom!

When you share your story of how you’ve gone up and beyond your role as a mother here on Blessings Abound, Mommy, you have the chance to win some great prizes from Aquafresh!  One lucky reader will win a coupon for Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening Toothpaste and a $50 Walmart Gift Card!  The second winner, chosen by the most compelling story submitted, will win a coupon for Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening Toothpaste and Aquafresh Whitening Trays plus be nominated and entered into the grand prize drawing held by Aquafresh where you have a chance to win one year’s worth of free Aquafresh product, a $500 Walmart shopping spree, and the honor of having her story showcased on the Aquafresh Facebook fan page!  Aquafresh and I are looking forward to hearing your remarkable stories!

 

Giveaway Time (required entry): A lucky Blessings Abound Mommy reader will win a coupon for Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening Toothpaste and a $50 Walmart Gift Card.  Another winner will win a coupon for Aquafresh iso-active Whitening toothpaste, Aquafresh White Trays, and be nominated and entered for a chance to win the grand prize: a year supply of Aquafresh product, a $500 Walmart Gift Card, and recognition on Aquafresh Facebook Fan Page.  All you have to do in order to be qualified for a chance to win is to leave a comment about an inspiring or memorable moment you’ve endured by being a mom!

10 Extra Entries (to be earned after the required entry has been fulfilled):

Blog about this Blessing with a link back to this giveaway post!

1 Extra Entry Each (to be earned after the required entry has been fulfilled):

  • Like the Aquafresh Facebook Fan Page.
  • Write a Facebook post on Aquafresh’s Facebook Wallstating you entered my contest to win Aquafresh products with a link to this post.
  • Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  • Enter any other giveaway on Blessings Abound Mommy and leave a comment with which another giveaway you entered!
  • Twitter about this blessing with a link back to it and leave a comment that you did with your Twitter id.
  • Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  • Fave my blog on Technorati. (update to reflect new URL)
  • Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design if you already have it please)

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

One winner will be chosen via Random Drawing and another winner will be chosen by best story submitted.  Winners who I am unable to contact and who don’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and non bloggers alike. You have from now until June 8th at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick one winner and announce it here on my blog shortly after June 9th!  Blessing open to the USA only!

Check out these blogs for more chances to win:

  • Cocktails With Mom
  • The Suburban Mom
  • It’s All Free Online
  • Yellow Tennessee

*Product was provided free of charge in exchange for review and giveaway from Aquafresh and M80 and doesn’t affect my views or feedback of the product or service.  This post is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary from person to person.

 

Anytime Costumes Review and Giveaway!

Meet the Company:

AnytimeCostumes.com is your year-round source for adult costumes, child costumes, plus-size costumes, costume accessories, theatrical make-up, masks, wigs, beards, props and holiday decorations.

AnytimeCostumes.com is a family owned and operated company. We began in 1975 as a retail party and costume store and grew to be Long Island’s leading Halloween and holiday costume supplier. In 1999, we expanded to the Internet availing our 30 years of retail costume expertise to the world. At AnytimeCostumes.com, we strive to differentiate ourselves from the other costume sites. We also ship 95% of the orders received by 2:00 pm Eastern time the same business day!

Our experienced buyers strive to provide the best in product quality and price. Our Costume Professionals consistently provide excellent customer service. All of our staff is knowledgeable of our vast product line and dedicated to making your shopping experience fun, satisfying and safe. In total, our staff has over 100 years of costume experience.

AnytimeCostumes.com is constantly adding new products to our inventory of over 5000 products. We keep our warehouse stocked to meet your costuming needs throughout the year for every holiday and occasion. At AnytimeCostumes.com, costumes are not just for Halloween. We carry a huge selection of costumes for all holidays including Mardi Gras, Easter, Renaissance Faire, St. Patrick’s Day, Purim, President’s Day, Luau, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We also carry costuming for school plays, amateur and professional theatrical productions and corporate events.

Through the Mom Trials:  There’s nothing like the joy and excitement a child feels when they can pretend and dress up to be anything their heart desires!  At Anytime Costumes, you’ll find the right costume for you child with their vast selection of costumes, dress up clothes, and costume accessoriesto make their Halloween night or dress up fun all year round!   The site is easy to navigate and the categories are set up so you can find the perfect costume easily in no time.  Their competitive prices and timely shipping coupled with their superior customer service is unbeatable to provide top grade, customer satisfaction!

It didn’t take long for my oldest daughter to choose which costume she’d like to prance around and she chose the Child Indian Princess Wildflower Costume and what a transformation it is!  This Indian Princess Costume comes with a deep brown dress with pointed bottom and fringe detail, matching poncho with fringe trim, plush boot covers, and two Indian feather hair accessories.  It’s a complete Halloween costume that won’t need any extra accessories or other props to get the full effect.  The sizing was right on and there are no irritating tags or itchy seams for a comfortable fit.  This costume is terrific for any occasion from Halloween, Thanksgiving, school and historical projects, holidays, make believe play and more!

Deal Alert:  Get FREE UPS Ground Shipping on orders over $45 with the coupon code, Sept9A, at checkout!  Free Shipping Offer ends September 17th!

Giveaway Time:  A lucky Blessings Abound Mommy reader will win an infant, toddler, child or teen costume of your choice!  All you have to do is visit Anytime Costumes and leave a comment with which costume you’d like to win!

10 Extra Entries: Blog about this Blessing with a link back to this giveaway post!

1 Extra Entry Each:

  1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  2. Blog about this blessing and link back to it.
  3. Twitter about this blessing and comment that you did with your twitter id.
  4. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  5. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update to reflect new url)
  6. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design if you already have it please)

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winner will be chosen via Random Drawing.  Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and nonbloggers alike. You have from now until October 1st at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick one winner and announce it here on my blog shortly after October 2nd!  Blessing open to USA only!

 

America Votes Over In The Great Debate With Cottonelle Giveaway!

That’s right, everyone sided with ME… oh, I mean, US… in the proper way to roll over!  You heard that correctly, Roll Over was the majority vote, but was there ever any doubt?  72% of America unanimously casted the Over vote, making roll over the big, winning vote and we have to thank Cottonelle® Toilet Paper in settling this Great Debate for us once and for all!  They have shared America’s vote and now Cottonelle® has developed a new softer, stronger formulation for its toilet paper that is the perfect balance for rolling over – America’s preferred way to roll. Cottonelle’s new toilet paper has an exceptional softness for a more comfortable clean and is stronger with superior durability for optimum performance!

Check out this humorous clip on Hollywood’s take on Roll Over:

Fun Facts shared about us that roll over:

What Does Rolling Over Say About Americans?

The vote to roll over says more about Americans than just their toilet paper placement style. To gain insight into how America rolls and why, the brand commissioned a survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18-65+ and found that:

  • Those who prefer hanging their toilet paper over are more likely to have engaged in flipping the direction of the roll at a friend’s home, with 27 percent of “overs” admitting to doing so.
  • In addition to being more apt to switch the way the roll hangs at friends’ homes, those who prefer to roll over seem to be more particular about the whole subject. For instance:

o “Overs” are most likely to notice the direction the toilet paper is hanging (74 percent).

o “Overs” are more likely to be annoyed when the roll is the wrong way (24 percent).

Cottonelle brand consulted Dr. Gilda Carle, psychotherapist and internationally renowned relationship expert, for her observations on basic character traits associated with how people roll. According to Dr. Gilda, “People who roll over like taking charge, crave organization and are likely to overachieve. It seems to me that Americans are passionate about rolling over due to the sense of control that it gives them.”

 

Giveaway Time (required entry):  A lucky Blessings Abound Mommy reader will win a $50 Walmart Gift Card and 24 count pack of Cottonelle® Toilet Paper!  All you have to do in order to be qualified for a chance to win is to leave a comment on if you were on the winning team with Roll Over or team Roll Under.

10 Extra Entries (to be earned after required entry has been fulfilled):

  • Blog about this Blessing with a link back to this giveaway post!

1 Extra Entry Each (to be earned after required entry has been fulfilled):

  • Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  • Enter any other giveaway on Blessings Abound Mommy and leave a comment with which other giveaway you entered!
  • Twitter about this blessing with a link back to it and leave a comment that you did with your twitter id.
  • Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  • Fave my blog on Technorati. (update to reflect new url)
  • Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design if you already have it please)

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winners will be chosen via Random Drawing.  Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and nonbloggers alike. You have from now until June 1st at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick one winner and announce it here on my blog shortly after June 2nd!  Blessing open to USA only!

*Information for this post and product was provided free of charge in exchange for this giveaway from M80, Kimberly-Clark, and Cottonelle and doesn’t affect my views or feedback of the product or service.  Read here for the official rules and regulations for this sweepstakes.

 

Affordable and Beautiful Pearl Jewelry at Pearls Paradise Review and Giveaway!

Meet the Company:

Founded in 1996 and brought online in 2000, Pearl Paradise has grown into the world’s largest online pearl company, with 2006 sales topping $20 million. With a custom-built, 1,400-cubic-foot vault filled with pearls, we offer a selection of pearls unlike any other pearl seller, online or off. Our commitment to offering prices 80 percent below retail has accelerated our growth.

With more than 100,000 satisfied customers to date, we have benefited greatly by word-of-mouth advertising. Our commitment to quality, customer service, and unbeatable pricing and selection has helped us become the Internet’s premier source of pearl jewelry.

The reputation we have built based on the quality of our merchandise has attracted the attention of journalists around the world. We have been blessed with glowing articles in The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily, and Inc. Magazine, to name just a few.

The pearl and jewelry industry has followed our growth and featured us in respected industry publications like Modern Jeweler, Jewellery News Asia, and JCK.

While more than 99 percent of our business is conducted online, we offer appointments for our local clientele in our luxurious Los Angeles showroom. We offer only one appointment per day, and these are often booked weeks in advance. However, no appointments are available mid-November through early January. With thousands of pearl strands for clients to see, we insist on giving our undivided attention. This unique experience has created a following of celebrities and pearl connoisseurs who are regulars in our showroom.

At Pearl Paradise, every associate is a world-class pearl expert. Every team member is required to complete the Gemological Institute of America’s pearl diploma program. Then we train our team in pearl grading, selection, matching, and drilling.

Through the Mom Trials:

Nothing speaks more for class and elegance than pearl jewelry!  Through time, they’ve continued to be highly sought after and treasured gems that makes for heirloom quality jewelry.   Although the most popular pearls today remain the traditional string of white pearls, you can find pearls of all colors that are just as lovely such as black, lavender, metallic, golden, multicolor, pink, and more!  With Valentine’s Day coming soon, I’m sure you know a special lady who would love to add to or start their collection of pearl jewelry and Pearl Paradise is just the place to purchase them!  They have so many gorgeous pearl jewelry pieces to choose from and I can’t hardly believe that they can offer these high quality, freshwater pearls at such reasonably low prices- at 80% below retail prices!

I already owned a pair of white pearl earrings so it was natural for me to choose a matching pearl necklace to go with them.  I received a stunningly beautiful 7.0-8.0 mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace and I couldn’t be more happy to wear my newly acquired necklace.  Whether I’m dressed to the nines for a special occasion or wearing a casual outfit, this necklace is a fantastic way to top it off and add a bit of sophistication too!  At 18 inches long, it hangs beautifully around my neck and I love the smooth, cool feeling of the stranded pearls and the brilliant luster that radiates from the necklace.  It is my most favorite piece of jewelry to date!

The pearl necklace came in a pretty black gift box along with a postcard on how to care for your pearls, a pearl care kit to help keep your pearls keep clean and looking their best, and a certificate of appraisal for my pearl necklace!  This is not a necklace I could have ever afforded on my own if I had to purchase it for the full retail price at a regular jewelry store.  With an quality overall quality of AAA, 7.0-8.0 mm size white pearls with near round, highest luster, and 95% blemish free attributes, this necklace has a certified appraisal for $945 and sells on the Pearl Paradise website for only $189!!!  What an amazingly affordable price for this exquisite freshwater pearl necklace!

More about the 7.0-8.0 mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace:

This white freshwater pearl necklace is composed of 7.0-8.0 mm freshwater pearls – the most popular size. The strand is composed of the highest quality freshwater pearls you are likely to find. They feature nearly perfect shape and matching and exhibit a sharp reflective luster.

These round (AAA) or near-round (AA+) white freshwater pearls are individually knotted on twin silk and finished with a 14-karat, white- or yellow- gold clasp.

Enter to win a 7.0-8.0 mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace!!!

Giveaway Time: A lucky Blessings Abound Mommy reader will win a 7.0-8.0 mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace!  All you have to do in order to be qualified to win is to visit Pearl Paradise and leave a comment with another piece of pearl jewelry you’d love!

10 Extra Entries (to be earned after required entry has been fulfilled):

Blog about this Blessing with a link back to this giveaway post!

1 Extra Entry Each (to be earned after required entry has been fulfilled):

  1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  2. Enter any other giveawayon Blessings Abound Mommy and leave a comment with which other giveaway you entered!
  3. Twitter about this blessing with a link back to it and leave a comment that you did with your twitter id.
  4. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  5. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update to reflect new url)
  6. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design if you already have it please)
  7. Follow Pearls Paradise on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/pearlparadise

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winners will be chosen via Random Drawing.  Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and nonbloggers alike. You have from now until January 27th at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick one winner and announce it here on my blog shortly after January 28th!  Blessing open to Worldwide!

*Product was provided free of charge in exchange for review and giveaway from Pearls Paradise and doesn’t affect my views or feedback of the product. This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.

 

Father’s Day Fling Day 14: Office Dad Prize Package Giveaway!

Is your dad or the man of your life a professional business or office man?  Then we have a spectacular prize package for you that gets his day started on the right footing from an excellent cup of coffee to having him fully prepared for the day at the office with a new, sleek attaché to protect his laptop on the go, keep connected with a must have Peek Pronto hand-held email device, and stay in touch with a  Boost Mobile cell phone!  It will be wonderful day at work with all these fabulous office essentials!

Meet the Company:

The Keurig Story

The word “keurig” is derived from the Dutch word for excellence, and it is our promise to you. Excellence guides everything we do, from our patented single-cup brewing technology, to the gourmet brands of coffee and tea that are packaged in our K-Cup® portion packs, to our customer service.

Today, Keurig® is the leading single-cup brewing system in North America-for both At Home and Away From Home. Now, you can enjoy a fresh cup of gourmet coffee or tea, and hot cocoa Keurig Brewed® in less than a minute, without any set-up or clean-up. Keurig’s popular coffee, tea and hot cocoa brands offer hundreds of K-Cups® to choose from, so everyone can have their favorite variety.

Company Background

“Why brew coffee a pot at a time when we drink it a cup at a time?”

Keurig was founded by coffee lovers who believed that coffee should always be served fresh, whether at home or at the office, just as in a gourmet coffee house. They noticed that people were constantly leaving their homes and offices in search of a fresh cup of coffee and asked themselves: “Why do we brew coffee a pot at a time when we drink it a cup at a time?” From this question, the revolutionary concept of Keurig K-Cup® portion pack brewing was born.

Today, Keurig, Incorporated is the leader in single-cup coffee brewing technology in the U.S. for both home and office. Introduced in 1998, Keurig’s innovative single-cup brewing system lets coffee lovers brew perfect coffee, one cup at a time, in less than a minute.

Keurig’s patented single-cup brewing system lets people brew a perfect cup of gourmet coffee in less than a minute without the hassle of grinding beans, measuring coffee, handling filters or cleaning up. Keurig takes away all the guesswork from brewing a consistently great cup of coffee.

KEURIG.
BREWING EXCELLENCE ONE CUP AT A TIME®

Featured Father’s Day Gift Idea from Keurig:

Keurig Platinum Brewing System

The Platinum Brewing System is Keurig’s best single-cup brewing system for your home. This premium model offers discerning coffee drinkers the widest range of five cup size options for brewing.

The Platinum offers the full spectrum of features including Auto On/Off, Digital Clock, Adjustable Temperature Control and the “Set Your Favorite Cup Size” option. The largest available 60 oz. removable water reservoir holds up to ten cups before refilling and the removable drip tray allows for easy cleaning and the use of travel mugs. The sleek, award-winning design is a unique footprint among Keurig’s line of home brewing systems and includes both a blue lit water reservoir and blue lit LCD display.

You can learn more about this highly recommended product by reading my Keurig Platinum Brewer Review and watching my vlog!

Meet the Company: 

Company Roots

Peek was born on a walk in the park when Amol Sarva and his wife, Ursula, were expecting their first child. At six months pregnant, Ursula couldn’t sit still and found comfort in taking long walks. But planning for a new arrival and a busy life besides, Amol saw that Ursula would return feeling behind. Emails were piling up. She had inbox anxiety.

A seasoned wireless industry entrepreneur, Amol had long been using smartphones for mobile email. With smartphone in hand, their long walks were actually a great way for him to stay on top of things at the office. Amol tried to get Ursula to use one, describing the many features: email, texting, voice calling, Internet, etc. But the bells and whistles are exactly what turned her off. She didn’t want a complicated smartphone with extras she didn’t need.

What she really wanted was a simple, nifty device that would let her do email on the go since email was how everyone she knew made plans, caught up, and shared news.

Amol thought a simple, fun, and attractive mobile email device had to exist. He asked his contacts at the cell phone companies, but they were dismissive. Nobody wants “simple”, they want “more”, they said. But Amol saw an opportunity, which he discussed with a few colleagues from earlier ventures. They explored the idea in the “real world”, closely observing real people using email at their desks and on the go.

Amol’s hunch was right; people really want a device that simply does email.

After gathering lots of feedback, the vision crystallized: a great-looking device whose function is as elegant as its form. It would be extraordinarily simple to set up, get people emailing within minutes, and work anywhere by connecting to cell phone towers behind the scenes. But there would be no contracts, cumbersome paper bills or other cell phone-style “gotchas” involved. No, this would be something different. This would be a look at something new.

So Amol and his colleagues, determined to solve a real need, created a company to design a new mobile email device for everyday people. And called it Peek.

Ursula loved what she saw-this was something she would buy-and encouraged Amol to make it a reality.

Featured Father’s Day Gift Idea from Peek:

Peek Pronto

Feel the speed with the power of push email! Peek Pronto gets your emails as soon as they’re sent. Enjoy unlimited email and texting with no contracts!

Product Features:

Push Email (instant delivery)
Supports up to 5 email accounts
Unlimited mobile email and texting

Meet the Company:

Lands’ End is a direct merchant of traditionally styled clothing for the family, soft luggage, and products for the home. We offer products through our catalogs, on the Internet, and in our Inlet stores. Our goal is to please our customers with the highest levels of quality and service in the industry, along with an unequivocal ironclad guarantee.

 

Featured Father’s Day Gift Idea from Lands’ End:

Classic Premium Attaché

 

Sleek and lightweight with Italian leather trim and camel-colored lining.

  • Roomy enough for reports or a laptop
  • Optional shoulder strap with leather ID slide
  • Interior and exterior pockets keep you organized
  • Fully lined

You can read more about this terrific attaché through Victoria’s Lands’ End Attaché Review!

Meet the Company:

Boost Mobile is a division of Sprint Corporation (NYSE: S) that offers wireless phones and services with no contracts, credit checks or activation fees. Boost is among the most popular prepaid wireless brands in the U.S. and has approximately four million customers – the majority of which are 18 to 34 years old. Boost-branded wireless phones with its exclusive Boost® Walkie-Talkie service are available nationwide at approximately 17,500 major retail and independent wireless dealer locations; with Re-Boost® available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the U.S. Purchase and experience Boost on the web at MySpace, Facebook and www.boostmobile.com

Featured Father’s Day Gift Idea from Boost Mobile:

Boost Mobile i776w

Boost Mobile’s i776w handset is available in a brown color, the i776w is a sleek/lightweight flip phone that is the perfect accessory for dad’s busy schedule.  Features include GPS, Wireless Web,text and picture (multi-media) messaging, digital camera and hands-free speakerphone.

Frugal dads will love Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited plan which provide UNLIMITED talk, text messaging and Walkie-Talkie, all for one flat rate of $50 per month, taxes included! Boost Mobile’s $50 Monthly Unlimited Plan can save moms and families up to $695/year in comparison to similar prepaid plans. In addition, with no contracts or credit checks, dads will have an easy, reliable and inexpensive way to keep tabs on family and loved ones.

The i776w is available online at www.BoostMobile.com for $99.99 and at select retail stores, including RadioShack, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Sprint stores.

Giveaway Time:  A lucky Blessings Abound reader will win an Office Dad Prize Package that includes a Keurig Platinum Brewing System and 4 boxes of K-Cups, Peek Pronto with 3 months of paid service, Lands’ End Attaché, and Boost Mobile i776w Cell Phone in brown with $50 pre-paid card!  All you have to do in order to be qualified for a chance to win is to:

  1. Visit Keurigand leave a comment in the provided entry form with which coffee you’d like to brew in the Keurig Platinum Brewer.
  2. Visit Lands’ Endand leave a comment in the provided entry form with which other Lands’ End product would be perfect for dad.
  3. Visit Peekand leave a comment in the provided entry form with a fact you learned about this mobile email device.
  4. Visit Boost Mobile and leave a comment in the provided entry from with another product dad would love.

You must complete all four requirements to be eligible for a chance to win this prize package!

10 Extra Entries:

  1. Blog about this giveaway including a link back to this post.
  2. Enter any other Father’s Day Fling Giveaway included in this event.

1 Extra Entry Each:

  1. Subscribe to my blog.
  2. Twitter about this blessing and comment that you did with your twitter id.
  3. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  4. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update with my new url please)
  5. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design and url please)
  6. Give this post a stumble.

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Father’s Day Fling Event participating bloggers include:

Karen from 3 Garnets and 2 Sapphires

Victoria from Life Starring Ellie and Eve

Louise from MomStart

Be sure to enter on all 4 participating blogs for extra entries to win this great prize!

Creative Presentation Contest: One winner will be awarded to the random number drawing winner from entries taken from all four participating blogs of the 2009 Father’s Day Fling event. Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim. Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! This Blessing is open to bloggers and non bloggers alike. You have from now until June 18th at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. I will randomly pick four winners and announce it here on my blog shortly after June 19th. Blessing open to USA!

Kernel Season’s Popcorn Review And Giveaway!

Meet the Company:

Kernel Season’s began in my college dorm room at the University of Michigan. I made popcorn every night and created my own personal spice blends to toss into it. Friends and fellow students loved it. People came knocking on the door asking for the special seasonings. I contacted a team of flavor experts with over 50 years of experience to help perfect the seasonings. We tweaked the flavors for over two years until they were just right.

In February, 1999, I found a note on my doorstep. It said, “Meet me in the Diag at midnight.” The Diag is the center of campus at the University of Michigan. Hidden in the shadows of the Diag that wintry evening was Kernel Season’s. He introduced himself valiantly as the champion of popcorn seasonings. At first, I thought he was going to pop me to shreds. But, Kernel Season’s made it clear that he found a new partner in the quest to rid the world of naked popcorn. The rest is seasoning…

Thank you for your interest in Kernel Season’s. I hope you and your family will enjoy our delicious blends and realize the benefits of healthy and economical snacking. Kernel Season’s is great on a variety of foods. When you discover a recipe using Kernel Season’s, e-mail it to us. If we post your recipe on our website, you will receive a full set of seasoning on us! Let your local movie theaters know about Kernel Season’s too.

Through the Mom Trials:  Our family just loves popcorn!  In fact, that is my husband’s number one snack of choice since he was a small child.  Before we started our cleanse, he would munch on a batch of homemade popcorn just about every night.  He had been going through withdrawals from his popcorn addiction and lucky for him, just in time to add popcorn back into our diet, we received a box with Kernel Season’s popcorn, a variety of several different popcorn seasonings, and popcorn spritzer.  My family couldn’t wait to get into this stash of goodies and start tasting all the yummy seasonings!

With Kernel Season’s, it’s super easy to make a batch of popcorn and flavor it the way you want!  In fact, you can choose to season your popcorn in so many different ways and you’re not restricted to flavor the whole batch with one particular seasoning due to their spritzing and seasoning process.  Once you have your popcorn fully popped (either in the microwave, stove top, or hot air popper), you use the popcorn spritzer to spray the entire bowl of popcorn so that the seasonings will stick to the popped corn.  From there, you can choose to flavor the whole bowl with the same seasoning or split the bowl of popcorn into littler bowls and you can customize each bowl with your seasoning of choice.   The more adventurous family member can also choose to create their own concoctions by mixing and matching seasonings together for a one of a kind, gourmet flavor.

In our family, we sometimes have different preferences on how to flavor our popcorn.  For instance, my husband and kids enjoy caramel popcorn, but I can’t stand caramel flavored popcorn.  Now I don’t have to sit back and watch everyone else devour tasty popcorn and I can put together my own little serving of popcorn.  With fourteen different seasonings to choose from, your popcorn will never be boring and you can enjoy a new treat every night!  All the seasonings were delicious and some of our favorites include the Kettle Corn, Butter, and Nacho Cheese seasonings.

Kernel Season’s popcorn pops up light and fluffy and is a snack you weight watchers can enjoy.  At only 24 calories per cup, you can relish in your snacking pleasure without any guilt.  The popcorn spritzer is made out of a combination of canola, sunflower, and corn oils to provide a butter taste with no added fat or calories!   The seasonings are also low in calories and can be combined in your regular homemade dishes as well to provide a unique taste sensation.

Where to Buy:  Wal-Mart, Target, K Mart, Blockbuster Video, Safeway, Food Lion and online at www.NoMoreNakedPopcorn.com.

Giveaway Time:  A lucky Blessings Abound reader will win a Kernel Season’s Prize Package that includes a bag of stovetop popping corn, three bags of microwave popcorn, popcorn spritzer, and six different seasoning flavors!  All you have to do in order to be qualified for a chance to win is to visit Kernel Season’s and leave a comment on which popcorn seasoning you’d like to try out the most!

5 Extra Entries: Blog about this Blessing, linking to this giveaway post.

1 Extra Entry Each:

  1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  2. Twitter about this blessing and comment that you did with your twitter id.
  3. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  4. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update with my new url please)
  5. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design and url please.

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and nonbloggers alike.  You have from now until June 26th at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick a winners and announce it here on my blog shortly after June 27th!  Blessing open to USA!

 

Get Stylin’ in the Kitchen with Flirty Aprons Review and Giveaway!

Who knew aprons can make you feel like such a fashionista in the kitchen?!  At Flirty Aprons, there are many aprons that will make you look sweet and sassy while you’re bustling about in the kitchen!  They’ve combined extra feminine touches to their women’s aprons like scalloped edges, ribbon detail, and ruffles in striking colors and patterns to make you feel like the queen of the kitchen.  Whether you’re entertaining or doing daily household chores, these aprons add function and style to your day.  I had the most difficult time choosing just one of their designs, but I eventually picked out the Sweet Sunshine Apron for myself.  With Spring soon to arrive, I found it to be a cheerful reflection of the changing seasons when the sun comes out to play and everything is starting to bloom!

 

Flirty Aprons come in one size fit all design where the neck-straps and waist ties are adjustable, making sure that no matter your figure, it will be a good fit.  This is terrific as I’m almost entering my ninth month and I don’t feel as if I’m trying to stuff myself into this women’s apron and after the baby is born, I can still most assuredly wear the kitchen apron and look fabulous in it no matter what chores I’m doing.  These aprons are quality made and I like how they line their aprons, making them much more durable and less likely for spills to soak through.  I also love the two-part pocket on the front of the aprons as it’s convenient to store and hold things to keep on hand as I’m busy cooking or cleaning.

They also carry men’s aprons and children’s aprons!  Little girls can be their mom’s little helper in the kitchen and look as darling as their mom donning a Flirty Apron of their own.  Moms will be happy that these adorable aprons are tastefully made to appeal to children and still keep their children clean and tidy during various activities.  Men will appreciate the humor and practical design of the aprons that go beyond protecting their clothes from the bbq grill.  The only suggestion I would make is that they create some aprons, especially for little boys too.

 

Where to Buy: You can purchase Flirty Aprons for children, women, and men for $24.95-$29.95.

 

Giveaway Time (required entry): A lucky Blessings Abound Mommy reader will win a Flirty Apron of their choice!  All you have to do to be qualified for a chance to win is to visit Flirty Aprons and leave a comment with which kitchen apron you’d like to win!

10 Extra Entries (to be earned after the required entry has been fulfilled):

Blog about this Blessing with a link back to this giveaway post!

1 Extra Entry Each (to be earned after the required entry has been fulfilled):

  1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!
  2. Enter any other giveaway on Blessings Abound Mommy and leave a comment with which another giveaway you entered!
  3. Twitter about this blessing with a link back to it and leave a comment that you did with your Twitter id.
  4. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  5. Fan my blog on Facebook.
  6. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update to reflect new URL)
  7. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design if you already have it please)
  8. Fan Flirty Aprons on Facebook.
  9. Follow Flirty Aprons on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Flirty_Aprons

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winners will be chosen via Random Drawing.  Winners who I am unable to contact and who don’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and the prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim.  Please follow directions or you will be disqualified!  This Blessing is open to bloggers and non bloggers alike. You have from now until February 8th at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  I will randomly pick one winner and announce it here on my blog shortly after February 9th!  Blessing open to the USA only!

*Product was provided free of charge in exchange for review and giveaway from Flirty Aprons and doesn’t affect my views or feedback of the product. This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary from person to person.

 

Father’s Day Fling Day 13: Sportmans Prize Package Giveaway!

Do you have a dad or husband that enjoys the outdoors?  We’ve created a Sportmans Prize Package that any man would love to receive!  Whether he’s into camping, fishing, or hiking, these gifts are ideal for the outdoorsman!

Meet the Company:

Motorola is a global communications leader powered by a passion to invent and an unceasing commitment to advancing the way the world connects.

For more than 80 years, our communication solutions have allowed people, businesses and governments to be more connected and more mobile.

Featured Father’s Day Gift Idea from Motorola:

Motorola Motonav TN30

For those who can’t live without a personal navigation system and their mobile phone when on the go, the advanced MOTONAV TN30 enhances all the great features of a standard GPS with added bonuses. MOTONAV TN30 is an ultra-durable Bluetooth® enabled, portable GPS navigation system that combines the confidence of finding destinations with a speaker for hands-free cell phone connectivity on the road.

Find Your Way… And Then Some
MOTONAV TN30 provides Motorola’s best-in-class Bluetooth wireless technology1 to enable drivers to make and receive hands-free calls with a compatible phone through the unit’s internal speaker. 2 This technology automatically quiets directions while a call is in progress and shows Caller ID on the 4.3-inch screen.

Locate Anything, Anywhere
TN30 also provides easy-to-follow, clearly spoken street names and directions along with accurate maps and routing on screen. Mapping covers the entire U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, and features over four million pre-loaded points of interest to allow drivers to find virtually any local business, restaurant or gas station. Its 4.3-inch touch-screen interface allows drivers to effortlessly type in their destination and navigate with ease. Create routes in both 2D and 3D modes for an enhanced viewing experience. Ideal for everyday driving, TN30 provides on-screen speed, distance, arrival time, elevation, and distance travelled as well as fastest and shortest route options. Users can zoom in and out, and explore the maps by touching and dragging their finger on the screen. An SD card slot allows for additional map loading (sold separately). TN30 helps drivers easily find their way using several options, including recent destinations, saved favorite locations or plan a new route.

Follows Whenever You Go
The TN30 is ultra-portable, and can easily be transferred between vehicles, making it easy to take along on trips. The system mounts on a vehicle windshield with included suction cup holder for easy use.

Features:

  • Bluetooth hands-free calling and Caller ID
  • Hear spoken street names and turn-by-turn directions
  • Search restaurants, gas stations, banks, and more
  • Lane guidance shows which lanes to use
  • Anti-glare 4.3-inch touch screen
  • Preloaded maps of the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada
  • Automatic day/night mode adjustment
  • 2D and 3D map perspectives
  • Zoom and move map with a finger
  • Millions of searchable points of interest
  • Shows speed limit display and warning
  • SD card slot for updated maps
  • USB port for charging

 

Meet the Company:

Founded in 1992, Redington has always brought innovativeness, performance, and tremendous value to anglers worldwide. Our roots are now in the Pacific Northwest where we have access to some of the most wonderful fishing resources in the world.

Redington is a proud sponsor of Trout Unlimited, Federation of Fly Fishers, and the Take Me Fishing Program. Employees have also been encouraged to become part of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Angler’s Legacy, a program in which avid anglers pledge to take novice fishing at least once a year.

Recently, Redington joined the fight against Pebble Mine development in Southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay, an area where the wilds of nature provide sustenance and life to a region dependant on fisheries.  We are proud to join forces with Trout Unlimited Alaska and Felt Soul Media – an award-winning producer of fly fishing films – to produce a video that will reveal the beauty and bounty of the pristine Bristol Bay watershed and give a voice to the commercial, sport, and subsistence fishermen banding together to stop the proposed Pebble Mine.

Featured Father’s Day Gift Idea from Redington:

RED.X OUTFIT Series   

We’ve combined two of our favorites, the Red.Fly2 rod and the Crosswater reel, to create one unbeatable outfit.  The Crosswater reel comes pre-spooled with backing, weight-forward floating line, and a tapered, knotless leader. The outfit is complete with a burgundy Cordura traveling case. Lifetime Warranty.

Meet the Company:

Eureka is a company that has been making outdoor equipment since the late 1800’s. They’ve come a long way from making Conestoga wagon covers. Today, many enjoy the protection of Eureka camping tents, sleeping bags, and shelters.

Featured Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Eureka Tents:

Eureka N!ergy 9 Electric Tent

Plug in outdoors.
The coziest version of our powered home away from home.

N!ERGY 9 TENT FEATURES:

  • 2 pole square dome tent
  • Durable and freestanding fiberglass frame, clips, and ring and pin assembly make set up fast and easy
  • Large, side opening, twin-track D-style door features #8 zippers with zipper covers for durability and water protection
  • 75D StormShield® polyester full coverage fly features brims in front and rear for protection from the elements
  • 2 windows, 2 mesh roof vents, and 2 large mesh sidewall panels provide ventilation and light
  • Gear loft and 2 storage pockets keep essentials close at hand, yet conveniently tucked away

E! Power Pak

The E! Power Pak is safe, durable, and easy to use. Just charge, plug, and power. Charge the E! Power Pak before your camping trip. Plug it into your shelter’s factory-installed E! Power wiring system, and power your favorite 12-volt accessories using any of your shelter’s built-in outlets. Note: Run times are dependent upon the accessory.GENERAL FEATURES:

  • Compact & lightweight, the E! Power Pak has a low center of gravity, so it won’t tip over.
  • Convenient, built-in charger for automatic charging of internal battery.
  • Just connect an extension cord to the plug to recharge internal battery on 120v outlet.
  • Stores up to three months without charging, and in any position.
  • Sure-grip handle for easy carrying.
  • Durable, rust and corrosion-proof polypropylene case resists fuels and solvents.
  • Easy-to-read battery status LEDs indicate when internal battery is at full power, 75% charged or 50% or less and needs recharging.
  • ‘Charging’ and ‘Charged’ LEDs indicate charging status of internal battery.
  • 12-volt cigarette lighter outlet, with rubber safety cover features resettable overload and short circuit protection for 12-volt accessories.
  • E! Power harness plugs into this outlet,powering your N!ergy tent, screen house or canopy.

Giveaway Time:  A lucky Blessings Abound reader will win an Outdoors Prize Package that includes the Motorola Motonav TN30, Redington Red.X Outfit Series Rod and Reel, Eureka N!ergy 9 Tent, and E! Power Pak!  All you have to do in order to be qualified to win is to:

  1. Visit Motorola and leave a comment in the provided entry form with another Motorola product that’s perfect for Dad
  2. Visit Redington Rod & Reels and leave a comment in the provided entry form with another Redington product your Dad would love
  3. Visit Eureka Tent and leave a comment in the provided entry form with another Eureka product your Dad would enjoy

10 Extra Entries:

  1. Blog about this giveaway including a link back to this post.
  2. Enter any other Father’s Day Fling Giveaway included in this event.

1 Extra Entry Each:

  1. Subscribe to my blog.
  2. Twitter about this blessing and comment that you did with your twitter id.
  3. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/akblessings.
  4. Fave my blog on Technorati. (update with my new url please)
  5. Post my button on your blog or site. (update with the new code to reflect new design and url please)
  6. Give this post a stumble.

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Father’s Day Fling Event participating bloggers include:

Karen from 3 Garnets and 2 Sapphires

Victoria from Life Starring Ellie and Eve

Louise from MomStart

Be sure to enter on all 4 participating blogs for extra entries to win this great prize!

Creative Presentation Contest: One winner will be awarded to the random number drawing winner from entries taken from all four participating blogs of the 2009 Father’s Day Fling event. Winners who I am unable to contact and who doesn’t claim their prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification and me posting the winner of the prize in the winner’s section will forfeit their prize and prize will be held in a live contest following failure to claim. Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! This Blessing is open to bloggers and nonbloggers alike. You have from now until June 18th at 11:59 PM (Alaska time) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. I will randomly pick four winners and announce it here on my blog shortly after June 19th. Blessing open to USA!