Which Room Would You Makeover If You Won the Armstrong Residential Ceilings “Style Is Looking Up” Giveaway? #MC

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Armstrong Residential Ceilings. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. All opinions expressed are my own.

Armstrong Residential's Drop Panel Metallaire Vine Ceiling (Photo from Armstrong Ceiling Gallery)

We have painted ceilings in every room in our home and, to be honest, I had never paid much attention to them aside from noticing the occasional cobweb.  That was until we had a plumbing issue upstairs about a month ago and the water from the pipes leaked from behind the wall of the shower down into the ceiling of our kitchen.  Now it's all I can do to not look up at the ceiling because our nicely painted white ceiling currently has an unsightly brown-yellow spot approximately a foot wide on it.

Although my husband was a able to install hardwood flooring in our living room and even repair the plumbing issue we had upstairs himself, we are not as confident about our ability to fix the ceiling ourselves beyond just repainting it.  One thing we've learned about DIY home projects is that we need to recognize our limits, especially when I'm dreaming about a tin tile or drop panel ceiling.

Which ceiling could use a makeover in your home? Through March 15th, you can enter for a chance to win a $2,500 grand prize room makeover, which includes an Armstrong ceiling, an installation credit, and a $1,000 Lowe’s gift card, in the Armstrong Residential Ceilings"Style Is Looking Up” Giveaway.  Also through to March 15th, Armstrong Residential Ceilings will select a winner each week to receive a $50 Lowe’s gift card!  Visit Armstrong Residential Ceilings on Facebook to enter and for the official contest rules.

Bring Good Moments to the Dinner Table with McCain Potatoes

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for McCain Foods. I received a sample to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating. All opinions expressed are my own.

One of my biggest complaints about my life is how busy and hectic our household is.  We are pretty much always in a rush and that includes getting dinner on the table.  We have 3 children with 3 different levels of pickiness when it comes to food.  Our 9 year old son is most open to eating almost everything we serve him.  Our 6 year old daughter is open to trying everything at least once, but her list of foods she likes is definitely shorter than her big brother's.  Her twin brother is reluctant to try anything new and randomly moves foods from his 'likes' list to his 'does not like' list.  All of the above is true, even when it comes to the most kid-friendly food in the world . . . french fries.

Luckily for us, McCain potatoes makes it easy for us to please everybody.  Every member of the family has his or her own favorite.  It's so easy for us to make more than one variety of french fries.  The three types of fries we usually serve are McCain 5 Minute Fries, Seasoned Spirals, and Smiles.  Also, somehow our children seem much more willing to eat their veggies when they are served next to a generous serving of fries.  Bottom line is that, thanks to McCain Potato products, at least some of our family dinners can be less stressful and even fun, bringing good moments and memories to the dinner table!

Recently, we served the children a dinner consisting of 3 types of McCain french fries, freshly made hamburgers (with optional bacon, mushrooms, and Swiss or American cheese), and a tiny bit of spinach salad.  If you can believe it, our 6 year old son complained about having to eat his bacon cheeseburger.  He did end up eating it though!  Why? . . . because we also gave the children empty plates to use as canvases to make food art.  Yes, we told them they could play with their food as long as they were eating it too.  Well, they didn't dare eat all their fries first because that would end their play all too quickly, so they gobbled up their burgers and salad.

After I showed them a few things I could make using my food, the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly making their own creations while they ate.  Here are some examples of what they came up with . . .

Here's another one of mine (yes, I had fun playing with my food too!) . . .

McCain wants you to have plenty of chances to bring good moments to your dinner table!  Through November 4th, McCain will randomly draw one winner every week to receive a $500 grocery gift card.  Be sure to enter by visiting McCain on Facebook.  After you enter, remember to grab your coupon for $1 off any one bag of McCain Potato products.

“Load up on groceries your family loves, and bring naturally good moments to the dinner table every time you serve McCain Potatoes."

To learn about how McCain has reformulated its potato product lines to be more natural and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives when possible, visit www.McCain.com.

uncomplicate. Your Life with J.Jill this Spring

 For some women, it is difficult to imagine looking put together, feminine, and confident while being completely comfortable . . . both in her own skin and her clothes.  The truth is that how complicated her outfit is directly affects how complicated her day will be.  What woman needs to add worrying about having something out of place, taking a less-than-graceful step in her high heels, and being uncomfortable to her already busy day?  Not this one!

For Spring 2013, J.Jill has gone all out to help women uncomplicate. their lives in two ways.  The first is through a new collection of separates, dresses, shoes, accessories, and jewelry all done in neutral and soft tones.  These pieces are easy to coordinate and make it very simple to create worry-free ensembles for work, home, and play.


The second way J.Jill is kicking off the uncomplicate. campaign is by partnering with More, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple Magazines to offer three incredible prizes for their Give the Gift of uncomplicate. Sweepstakes on Facebook . . .

• Grand Prize #1 is a dinner party courtesy of Martha Stewart Living plus a $500 J.Jill shopping spree. (Must enter before April 1st, 2013)
• Grand Prize #2 is a closet makeover with a Real Simple organization specialist plus a $1000 J.Jill shopping spree.  (Must enter before April 8th, 2013)
• Grand Prize #3 is a head-to-toe style makeover by More magazine plus a $1000 J.Jill shopping spree.  (Must enter before April 25th, 2013)

Enter to uncomplicate. the life of  a special woman you know by submitting her photo and telling J.Jill why she deserves one of those fantastic Grand Prizes.  Entries will be judged on creativity and relevance.  Go here to read the official contest rules.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about J.Jill's new uncomplicate. campaign.  Please remember to enter to win a $100 J.Jill gift card below.


Thank you to J.Jill for providing the images, information, and gift card for our contest prize and for giving me a gift card as a thank you for taking the time to participate in this contest.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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Good luck in the drawing!

Febreze Delivered $10,000 plus Special Holiday Memories of Home This Christmas Eve

In early November, I had shared a Holiday contest with you hosted by Febreze on Facebook, where one lucky winner would receive $10,000 plus the opportunity to surprise a loved one who could not be home for Christmas with special Holiday memories from home.  Well on December 24th, Febreze delivered this amazing surprise to a dad who could not be home with his family.  You can watch the heartwarming video here and leave your thoughtful comments here.

I thought that Febreze did a great job choosing a winner.  There is nothing harder than having no other choice but to be away from one's family during the Holidays, especially for those with young children.  It certainly makes me feel especially lucky to have had my whole family together for Christmas this year.


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Febreze. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Share Your Most Memorable Holiday Memories with Febreze

Through December 17th, Febreze will continue to post a new question daily asking about some of your most memorable Holiday memories.  Today's question is about your "most memorable outfits from Holidays past."  I'm not sure if I would have an answer for this question because I have managed to block out how my parents used to dress me before I was old enough to choose my own clothes.  How would you answer this question?  The "most memorable toy from Holidays past" is a much easier question to answer.  That would be my Cheryl Ladd fashion doll!

Visit Febreze on Facebook to view all the latest questions and see how others have answered them.  Then submit your answers to the questions that spark a favorite memory of yours.  After all the questions have been posted, Febreze will be sharing the Top 10 Best Holiday Memories collect from their Facebook fans between 12/3 and 12/17.  Will one of your favorite memories be included on this list?


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Febreze. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Win $10,000 and More in the "Febreze Seasons Giveaway" on Facebook

There used to be a time when all my relatives, which consisted of 6 other families besides my parents, my sister, and myself, would come together every Thanksgiving and Christmas without fail.  Now that my cousins and I are all grown up and have families of our own and many of my relatives have moved out of state, I cannot count on seeing everyone during the Holidays.  Some years, a few of our relatives return to Boston to spend the Holidays, but it is different each year.

Throughout the years, I have gotten to know quite a few of my readers, many of who have grown children, siblings, or parents that live in another state or, in some cases, another country.  It is these readers that come to mind as I share the Febreze Seasons Giveaway with you . . .

Febreze would like you to tell your story about a loved one who cannot be home for the Holidays this year.  One lucky winner will receive $10,000 plus all the special memories of being home during the Holidays.  So head over to Facebook to tell Febreze about someone you know who deserves a little happiness this year.

The contest has already started and will run though November 27th, 2012.  Click here to read the official contest rules.


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Febreze. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Win an Experience Day Gift from Interflora

To celebrate the launch of their experience day gifts Interflora are giving ten lucky people the chance to try one for free.

The new experience days complete Interflora’s extensive gift range which now includes everything from beautiful, fresh bouquets to tempting hampers and personalised gifts. So whether you’re looking for birthday gifts with a difference, a romantic gift for her or a wonderful anniversary surprise, Interflora has it all.

With 28 experience days in total to choose from, including everything from an exhilarating segway rally, to a champagne afternoon tea for two or a day of pampering, the extended gift range offers many different Interflora gift ideas for women or for men.

If one of these gifts sounds like something you’ve just got to try, why not enter Interflora’s competition to win an experience day of your choice.

To enter Interflora’s competition simply head over to the ‘Give yourself a Gift’ app on Interflora’s Facebook page between 23rd July and 24th August, select the gift you would most like to win and tell us why. It’s that simple! And with ten fabulous prizes up for grabs, don’t forget to share the competition with your friends too.

The lucky winners will be chosen on Friday 24th August and will each receive the gift experience of their choice.

Create Your Own "The Wild Life" Video for a Chance to Win $25k

Last month, I had mentioned to you that Glad Black Bag's next project would be a fun reality show-like series called "The Wild Life".  This family consists of a lovable bear, a chimp, a raccoon, a beaver, and a goose.  The point of this series is to show us that, even though life can get a little wild (and messy) sometimes, we need not stress about it because Glad Black Bags make cleaning up easy.

Through the end of May, you can enter to win $25,000 in the Glad "The Wild Life" Facebook Contest.  To enter, all you need to do is make your own "The Wild Life" video by following a few easy steps.  I made one starring my husband.  You can check it out below or by clicking here.

(Click the image below to watch my video on Facebook)

It literally only took me a minute or two to make my video.  I was able to choose my star, the scenario, and the title of my video.  You can actually return to make another video daily for a chance to win $100.  You can also snag a $1 off coupon for Glad Black Bags when you enter.  So who would you choose to star in the first video you make?

To stay in the loop about the exciting Glad Black Bag contests coming up this Spring and Summer, be sure to follow @GladWildLife on Twitter.


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central for Glad. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Macy's Thank-A-Mom Movement Fights Violence Against Women

Violent crimes against women are a sensitive subject for most women because it is likely that they have known at least one woman who has been a victim of violence either inside or outside the home.  As part of the Macy's Thank-A-Mom Movement, you can prompt a $3 donation to Futures Without Violence just by sending a Mother's Day card via the Thank-A-Mom Facebook app to a mom on Facebook or by email.  There are 9 designs to choose from and you can send cards to up to 15 mothers in your life.  That's a total of $45 that Macy's is willing to donate on your behalf to this worthy cause.

When our first son was just an infant, the three of us lived in an apartment building in a quiet suburban neighborhood.  One night we heard a lot of yelling and the sound of furniture banging around from the apartment downstairs.  While we were sleeping we heard more of the same and then we heard a woman yelling for help.  We called 911 even though we knew there was a possibility that the offender would find out it was us who reported it.  I was worried that I was home alone with our infant son all day and this man could show up at our door.  Still, I knew we did the right thing because I could only imagine how helpless and scared that woman was to be screaming for help, hoping that someone would hear her.

Watch this video about a man recalling how he watched his father hit his mother when he was a boy, how he ran to the neighbor's house for help, how the neighbor thought it was none of his concern, and how the neighbors never even asked him if he or his mother was okay after that day.  The children who witness such violence must feel just as helpless as the victims themselves.



Futures Without Violence is just one of five worthy causes the Macy's Thank-A-Mom Movement is supporting this Mother's Day.  To learn more about all five charities, visit Macy's on Facebook.

Thank you to M80 for contacting me on behalf of Macy's, who is providing a Jones New York Pashmina for our contest prize and is sending another Pashmina to me as a thank you for participating in this campaign.



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Good luck in the drawing!

Dinosaur Train's "Dinosaurs A to Z Countdown"

As I’ve said before, Dinosaur Train is one of our favorite shows on PBS Kids. We have participated in a couple Dinosaur Train-themed reviews before, so we were happy to let you all know about Dinosaur Train’s Dinosaurs A to Z Countdown, which began on April 18. Beginning with the letter A, you and your little paleontologist-in-training can help by answering fun and educational questions on Twitter and on Facebook with a chance to win a prize each day for a whole month. Prizes include Dinosaur Train collectible gifts and a one-of-a-kind Dinosaur cartoon art by Craig Bartlett, the artist and creator of Dinosaur Train. Your little dino lover will enjoy learning the 26 facts about dinosaurs and will be sure to open up conversations and opportunities for learning that will also be tons of fun.

Don’t forget, the new episodes of Dinosaur Train start May 14 on PBS Kids and will be kicking off with a one-hour special episode "Dinosaurs A to Z". Check local listings for times.


I received a copy of the book Dinosaurs A to Z as a thank you for sharing this information with our readers.

SwimWays Partners with Operation Smile in a $50,000 Facebook Challenge

Earlier this month, I announced on Facebook that my family was invited to be part of the SwimWays "Swim Steps Swim Team" again this year!  I was so proud to be part of this team last year because SwimWays strongly promotes safety when it comes to children and swimming, whether they are beginner or advanced swimmers.  This year, I am even more proud to be on this team because SwimWays has expanded its charitable efforts to benefit Operation Smile even further with a new Facebook campaign.

Operation Smile is a medical charity that benefits children worldwide, providing costly medical services, such as life-saving operations.  As an ongoing effort to support this children's charity, SwimWays donates a portion of the sale of every SwimSteps product sold to Operation Smile.  For the month of April, SwimWays has added to their regular contributions by donating $2 for every new "Like" of the Operation Smile Facebook page (up to $50,000).  As a thank you for taking the time to "Like" this page, SwimWays will give you a special 20% discount off your next SwimWays purchase.

So, what are you waiting for?  Just a few seconds of your time, will prompt a $2 donation towards this worthy children's charity.

No compensation was received for sharing this information with my readers.

Folgers to Reveal 2 New Products on August 26th at Noon EST

On Friday, August 26th, Folgers will be announcing two brand new additions to its coffee line.  This will be taking place at 12 o'clock noon EST and all those who attend this special event on Facebook will be receiving a surprise!  All you need to do to get on the guest list is to visit Folgers on Facebook and "like" their Facebook page.

To celebrate the two new products, visit us here on 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires starting Monday evening on August 29th, to enter a giveaway for a Folgers Prize Pack!


Click on the banner below to RSVP for the Folgers unveiling . . .

"Why My Kid Needs a Knot Genie!" Video Contest ($500 Savings Bond)

The creators of the detangling brush, the Knot Genie, has launched a fun video contest for you to tell the world "Why My Kid Needs a Knot Genie!"  All you need to do is make one video up to 60 seconds long answering that question.  Then simply submit your video on the Knot Genie Facebook page.  The first 50 eligible video entries will receive a free Knot Genie, but only one video will win a $250 U.S. Savings Bond, which will be worth $500 at maturity.

You have until September 1st, 2011 to submit your video entry.  The winner is determined by voting, which will end on September 18th.  Visit Knot Genie on Facebook for the contest details and to view the video entries already received.


More about the Knot Genie . . . 

Although my daughter has straight hair, it is getting long and tangles very easily at the ends, especially after a night of sleep during humid weather.  We always comb her hair out after her bath, but it is usually accompanied by a few OW!'s.  I remember my own straight hair was the same way when I was little.  I also remember how painful it was when my mother tried to comb through those tangles.  I was very curious to try the Knot Genie detangling brush to see if it does what it claims . . . to detangle my daughter's hair without pulling her hair so much that it comes out at the root or breaks.

The Knot Genie's secret is the varying lengths of the teeth on the brush.  I was skeptical because that sounded too simple of a solution to me.  I was proven wrong when we completely brushed our daughter's hair out from root to tip without one complaint.

The Knot Genie is available in 4 colors and retails for $19.99.  You can purchase it from the Knot Genie Online Store or from local hair salons across the country.


Thank you to Knot Genie for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for sending us a gift card as a thank you for helping to spread the word about their video contest.

The First Years Ignite Stroller

Now that our twins are 4.5 years old, they rarely need or want to ride in a stroller anymore.  That is why we decided to retire our twin side-by-side stroller and replace it with the more practical Ignite Stroller from The First Years.  A single stroller that is lightweight and compact, but able to accommodate a preschooler is exactly what we needed for things like trips to the mall.  When the twins get tired, they can take turns riding for awhile until they get their energy back.

There were two reasons why my husband and I decided it was time to retire the double stroller in addition to the reduced need.  The twins were starting to get a little too tall for the seats and we did not want to continue using a stroller nearly twice the width of an average one when it was no longer necessary.  The floor plan for most mall stores do not take side-by-side strollers into consideration.

We received the Ignite Stroller in Red Stripe, which I find to be a very striking color combination.  It is also perfect for a family like ours who has boy/girl twins and would need something gender-neutral.  The main reason I chose this stroller is because it holds a child up to 50lbs and it accommodates children who are slightly taller.

(Click any image to enlarge)

This stroller is very user-friendly.  The reclining back is controlled by a toggle drawstring on the back.  It does not lay all the way back like a heavyweight stroller, but it does recline enough to suit our needs.  Even when our twins doze off, they would not want to lay down in the stroller like an infant or toddler would.

Many lightweight strollers do not come with any storage around the handle area.  With our last one, we had to add on something with pockets that attached to the handles with Velcro straps.  The built-in storage that comes with the Ignite Stroller is extremely convenient.  There is a place to hold a drink, a zippered pocket to put things like your car keys and wallet if you happen to not be carrying a purse, plus additional pockets to tuck anything small you may need to keep handy, like tissues.

This stroller does have storage under the seat.  It is large enough to put small shopping bags and perhaps a medium-sized purse.  It most likely is not large enough to fit a standard diaper bag.  Because of the way the stroller collapses, there is a hinged "x" on the back of the stroller, which you have to work around when you are placing items in or removing items from the storage basket.

The Ignite Stroller not only offers a comfortable ride, but a smooth one as well.  This stroller is a dream to push compared to our previous one.  Whoever designed the wheel mechanism did something right and I hope they never change it.  I also would like to point out that the handle height is comfortable for both my 6' tall husband and my 5'4" self.

To learn more about The First Years Ignite Stroller, visit TheFirstYears.com and The First Years on Facebook.  While you're there, check out the fun Brag Badge made available to parents everywhere.  With this Facebook app you can brag about your little one's firsts, such as the first word, the first pee in the potty, or the first day of kindergarten.  The app has many suggestions for reasons to brag, but you can also make up your own.  Here is a Brag Badge I made in honor of my daughter graduating from a tricycle to a big girl bicycle . . .

As our children get older, it is even more important to celebrate their firsts, because they are not occurring on a daily or weekly basis any longer.


Thank you to The First Years for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive an Ignite Stroller from The First Years (Winner may specify color, but the color is subject to availability).

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Leave a comment telling me which first during a child's life should be bragged about the most. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 10 extra entries, create a Brag Badge on Facebook. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the direct link to your Facebook update containing your Brag Badge.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, Friend me on Facebook and/or "Like" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry each, follow The First Years on Twitter and/or "Like" The First Years on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, August 1st, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!