Holiday 2011 Giveaway: Green Lantern Figure & 4 DC Super Hero Comics

Our nearly 8 year old son is no stranger to the members of the Justice League.  Between our 3 children, we have multiple Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman action figures, and now we have added Green Lantern to that collection.  One thing our oldest son has not experienced is the art of DC comic books.  He has read a small handful of children's graphic novels, but none of them offer the do-good action of the Justice League.

Our son's first four DC comics are exclusively found in specially marked boxes of Big G cereals.  Of the four, he said his favorite was #4 "Breakout!" because Aquaman and Batman prevailed against the bad guys even though they were outnumbered.  I like the fact that he is pleased when the good guys win.

If you think your child would enjoy these comics, for a limited time, you can find 1 of the 4 in each specially marked box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Golden Grahams, Reese's Puffs, and Cocoa Puffs.  Your children can collect all four and trade with their friends to complete their set.

For more information about these DC Comic books, visit BigGCerealHeroes.com.

Product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills and DC ENTERTAINMENT through MyBlogSpark.

Good luck in the drawing!

General Mills Star Wars Panoramic Cereal Boxes

We have Star Wars fans ranging from preschoolers to adults in our household and every single one of them thought these special edition Big G cereals featuring a panoramic Star Wars scene on the back were pretty darn cool.  These specially marked General Mills cereals are only available at Walmart and were created to remind everyone that Star Wars:  The Complete Saga is now available for purchase on Blu-ray.  Chances are that you have at least one person on your holiday shopping list who is a Star Wars fan.

The three brands of cereals included in this commemorative collection are Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, and Lucky Charms . . . 

Of the three varieties, it is a draw between Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch as the favorite among our three children.  I personally am a marshmallow-lover, so Lucky Charms gets my vote.

To learn more about General Mills cereals, visit Whole Grain Nation.  These specially marked boxes are only available at Walmart, where you can also purchase Star Wars:  The Complete Saga on Blu-ray.


Thank you to General Mills for providing a sample prize pack and product information through MyBlogSpark for us to base this review upon and for providing a second prize pack for our contest prize.

Good luck in the drawing!

Back to School 2010 Giveaway: Target GC & Bonus Box Tops Prize Pack [CLOSED]

Have you been collecting Box Tops for Education all summer long or have you forgotten since school has been out? Well, from August 5th through August 28th, Target stores are offering you a chance to earn double Box Tops when you purchase five or more participating products!

MyBlogSpark sent me the products below as an example of the vast variety of products that qualify for this promotion. I have to say that every single item we received is something my family would use, especially when school starts again. Some of the brands include Cheerios, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Welch's, Hefty, Juicy Juice, and Avery. If you purchase 5 eligible items at Target during this promotion, then you will earn 5 bonus Box Tops. If you buy 12 eligible items, the you will earn 12 bonus Box Tops! Get the idea?

For a complete list of participating items, visit www.BoxTops4Education.com .

Thank you to General Mills for providing us with a gift card, information, sample products, and a giveaway prize through MyBlogSpark.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a "Box Tops for Education at Target Prize Pack" containing the following items:

• an Avery binder
• Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers Variety Pack
• Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
• Hefty CinchSak Trash Bags
• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Juicy Juice 8pk Juice Boxes (flavors will vary)
• Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
• Welch's Concord Grape Jelly
• 25 Bonus Box Tops
• $25 Target gift card

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:

Check out the long list of participating Box Tops for Education products. Then leave a comment telling me what are some of the items you would stock up on at Target to earn bonus Box Tops. 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, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND GrocerySavvy.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" 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 Box Tops for Education on Twitter and/or "Like" Box Tops for Education 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.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

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


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 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!

Giveaway: Stop & Shop Hybrid Car Sweepstakes ($20 GC) [CLOSED]

This month, Stop & Shop is offering their shoppers a chance to win an eco-friendly hybrid car! Starting April 16th, you can earn an entry simply by purchasing 5 participating General Mills products and using a reusable shopping bag when you checkout. This contest runs for 2 weeks and each week will have a different list of participating products.

You can also enter by visiting your local Stop & Shop supermarket and filling out an official entry form. No purchase is necessary to enter. You can use the Stop and Shop store locator to find the closest location in MA, RI, CT, NH, NJ, NY, MD, DE, VA or DC. You must be 18 years old or older to enter. This sweepstakes ends on April 29th, 2010.

Here are the list of participating products for each week:

Week 1 (April 16-22)
Cascadian Farms Cereal
Cascadian Farms Frozen Vegetables
Progresso Light, Reduced Sodium and High Fiber Soups
Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes
Betty Crocker Boxed Muffins
Betty Crocker Cookie Pouch
Nature Valley Crunchy, Sweet & Salty, Trail Mix and Yogurt Bars
Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters
General Mills Fiber One Chewy Bars
Betty Crocker Gushers, Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot or Fruit Rollups
Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers
Yo-Pus, Yoplait Fiber One or Yoplait Delights Multi Pack
Yoplait Original, Light, Thick & Creamy, Light Thick & Creamy or Whips
Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
Totino's Pizza Rolls 90 Ct.
Cheerios 18 Oz
Cinnamon Toast Crunch 24.9 Oz
Honey Nut Cheerios 25.25 Oz
Kix 18 Oz
Lucky Charms 24 Oz
Multigrain Cheerios 16.2 Oz

Week 2 (April 23-29)
Cascadian Farms Cereal
Green Giant Vegetables
Nature Valley Crunchy or Sweet & Salty Granola Bars
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables or Prepared Vegetables, Simple Steam Seasoned Vegetables or Rices
Green Giant Wanchai Ferry Entrees
Yoplait Frozen Smoothies
Totino's Pizza Rolls
Pillsbury Savorings
Fiber One Muffins
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls
Yoplait Greek Style Yogurt
Yoplait Kid Multi Pack
Cheerios 14 Oz
Cocoa Puffs 16.5 Oz
Honey Nut Cheerios 17 Oz
Lucky Charms 16 oz
Multigrain Cheerios 12.8 Oz
Reeses Peanut Butter Puffs 18 Oz

Thank you to MyBlogSpark for providing the contest prize and the information shared in this post on behalf of Stop & Shop and for sending me a gift card as a thank you for sharing this information with my readers.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a $20 gift card to Stop & Shop.

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 of the General Mills products listed in this article are you likely to purchase. 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, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND StopAndShop.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 2 extra entries, share the link to this contest post on Facebook. Then leave TWO separate comments with the link to your 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.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

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


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, April 26th, 2010 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!

General Mills Commits to Further Reducing Sugar in Children's Cereals

Towards the end of 2009, General Mills announced their commitment to even further reduce the amount of sugar in the children's cereals they produce. It is said that many General Mills cereals have already been reduced in sugar, but I must say that my children have not even noticed the difference in taste. I doubt they will during this next round either.

Sugar intake has always been a concern of mine. My children are not obese by any means, but I am concerned about their attention spans and being too hyper. While I do not deprive them of their favorite presweetened cereals, I have made it a habit of mixing them with unsweetened Cheerios or Kix. Each bowl would be about 50/50. When they were even younger, I use to serve the cereal in a 1:3 sweetened to unsweetened ratio.

It is said that children who eat breakfast perform better in school overall. I believe this to be true. I have never skipped breakfast in my whole life and neither have any of my children. I know that when I'm hungry, I get tired, grouchy, and have trouble focusing. Who wants to feel like that all the way until lunchtime, whether you are an adult or a child?

Thank you to MyBlogSpark for providing the information for this article on behalf of General Mills and also for sending me vouchers for breakfast cereal as a thank you for participating in this campaign.

Giveaway & Review: Nature Valley "Granola Nut Clusters" Outdoor Prize Pack [CLOSED]

Not too long ago, I fell in love with Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars. I never thought they would be able to top those sweet and savory granola bars until now. These new Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters makes granola more snack-like and you can share it with a friend, something that is not so easily done with a granola bar. These snacks are portable and handy to throw in your backpack along with your gear before you set off on a nature walk.

What my family and I thought about these Granola Nut Clusters:

1) I have memories of granola being hard, but these clusters of granola were not. They were crispy and crunchy, but not difficult to eat, even for the children.

2) Everyone enjoyed the flavor. There was a good balance between sweet and savory. Even the Honey Roasted Peanut variety was not too sweet.

3) I am especially partial to the Roasted Cashew clusters, but my husband's favorite is the Roasted Almond.

4) I was surprised about how satisfying these clusters are. You only need to snack on a handful (5 or 6 clusters) to feel full.


If my son's classroom was not peanut-free due to a classmate's allergies, I would pack these for his daily snack. I definitely think that any of the four varieties of Granola Nut Clusters by Nature Valley would make a popular alternative to candy for stocking stuffers this coming holiday.

Thank you to MyBlogSpark for providing us with a prize pack to review and one to give away free of charge.



What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a Nature Valley Granola Nut Cluster "Snack Pack" Prize Pack.

This prize pack includes:

• All four (4) varieties of the Granola Nut Clusters
• A sling backpack
• A stainless steel water bottle
• A flashlight
• Binoculars

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses 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 what is your favorite part of nature during the autumn season. 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, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 2 extra entries, share the link to this contest post on Facebook. Then leave TWO separate comments with the link to your 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) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

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


Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, November 9th, 2009 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!

3-Day Giveaway: Stop & Shop Gift Card [CLOSED]

General Mills has teamed up with Stop & Shop Supermarkets to bring you an in-store Back to School Savings Event September 4th thru 10th!

During this event, you will receive some extra perks when you purchase the required number of specially-priced participating General Mills products:

• Cheerios
• Lucky Charms'
• Reeses Puffs
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Cookie Crisp Sprinkles
• Cookie Crisp
• Fruit Snacks
• Old El Paso Dinner Kits
• Pillsbury Strudel
• Pillsbury Scrambles
• Green Giant Boxed Vegetables
• Yoplait Yo-Plus Multi-Pack
• Fiber One Yogurt Multi-Pack
• Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookies
• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
• Pillsbury Sweet Rolls
• Yoplait Delights

If your local Stop & Shop location sells gas, then you can earn 100 points for your Stop & Shop points card for every FOUR participating General Mills products you purchase. 100 points will save you 10 cents/gallon off your next gas purchase simply by swiping your Stop & Shop points card at the pump.

If your local Stop & Shop does not sell gas, you can earn 20 Bonus Boxtops for your child's school for every FIVE participating General Mills products you purchase.


Thank you to MyBlogSpark and General Mills for providing both myself and one of my readers with a Stop & Shop gift card.


What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a $10 gift card to Stop & Shop Supermarkets.

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses 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 participating General Mills product is your (or your family's) favorite to enjoy. 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) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites

4) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND Stop & Shop. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

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

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

9) Add my "Monterey Car Seat" giveaway button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/3G2SMontereyBCS.png" /></a><br /><br />

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


Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 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!