Simplicity In The Suburbs Reviews

Tiny Prints Valentine's Giveaway

2012-01-25T21:34:00.002-06:00

It's no secret I'm a big Tiny Prints fan. There cards are adorable, well made and they always offer fresh, current designs.

Their Valentine Cards are no different. They have a great collection of Valentines Day Greeting Cards you can send to family and even cards for kids to exchange at school. {How fun to share a cute, creative card, right?}

Only our littles do Valentine's cards now that both bigs are in middle school and both littles will have a little party at school. E even still gets to decorate a box. Do you remember doing that?

On Valentine's Day, we're pretty lowkey. Usually our kids like to go through their cards and their candy and we usually have a heart-shaped pizza for dinner.

I like to think everyday is heart day at our house.

I'm excited to continue working with Tiny Prints as an affiliate and was even more excited about the opportunity to give away some classroom Valentine cards.

Tell me how you and your loved ones celebrate Valentine's Day and you're entered to win FIFTY {50} classroom Valentine's cards. {Please note, these are lightweight so unless they are packaged in another envelope they are not to be mailed.}

Because Valentine's is coming soon this giveaway runs through Tuesday, January 31. A winner will then be chosen at 8 p.m. that night. {And if you want your cards in time for any Valentine's parties you'll probably want to order fairly quickly after that.}

To enter simply leave a comment telling me how you make Valentine's Day special with your loved ones.

The following are not required for entry but will tune you in to other giveaways or specials:
Like Tiny Prints on Facebook here.
Follow Tiny Prints on Pinterest here.
Follow Tiny Prints on Twitter here.
Like my blog on Facebook here.
Follow me on Twitter here.

If you'd rather not wait to win the cards, you can take advantage of a zulily deal through Saturday morning, $10 for $20 of Tiny Prints cards and it can be stacked with other deals. Also, take advantage of free shipping FREESHIP12.

Disclosure: I am a Tiny Prints affiliate. This is a sponsored post but all words and opinions expressed here are mine.

Disney on Ice Ticket Giveaway!

2011-11-29T16:34:00.000-06:00

Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove at the Xcel Energy Center NEXT WEEK! December 8-11!

"Discover endless riches when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove comes to your hometown! Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular. Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses –Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook and his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice and the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards. Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime."

I'm thrilled to be giving away a set of FOUR tickets for a family to attend OPENING NIGHT of Disney on Ice. That would be NEXT Thursday December 8 at 7 p.m.

To enter, simply leave a comment sharing your favorite Disney movie or Disney related memory from your childhood.

Winner will be chosen Monday December 5 by random.org. Please note, if you can't attend next Thursday evening please do not enter. The giveaway tickets are NOT flexible and can only be used opening night.

If you want to purchase tickets, Disney on Ice has a special discount going on: 4 tickets for $44. Go here and use promo code MOM to purchase.

This is a sponsored giveaway and my family is receiving complimentary tickets.

Sesame Street Live Ticket Giveaway!!!

2011-11-29T15:04:00.002-06:00

Sesame Street is coming to town again!

"Mark your calendar for this once-in-a-lifetime event—monsters becoming musicians! Elmo, The Count, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie and all their funny and furry friends are taking to the stage to share the magical world of music with children. When Jenny, the new Sesame Street music teacher, moves into town, her instruments get lost. Jenny’s new Sesame Street friends quickly come to her rescue, and they all discover "instruments" that they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even their own laps! The characters teach children, and themselves, that everyone has the ability to make beautiful music, whether they realize it or not. Don’t miss this opportunity to count along with The Count, visit Elmo’s World and do the Crumb-A-Rumba with Rosita and Cookie Monster at Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music."

Elmo Makes Music will be taking over the Target Center in Minneapolis January 11-15th and I've got a family pack of four tickets to give away!

To enter simply leave a comment sharing who you'd like to take to Sesame Street Live and you're in.

Winner to be chosen by random.org on Wednesday December 7.

*PS If you're local and your kids are Sesame Street crazy, Bert & Ernie are going to be the Grand Marshals in Friday night's Holidazzle parade downtown.

This is a sponsored giveaway and my family has been given complimentary tickets.

My Bonus Mom! Taking the Step Out of Stepmom Book Giveaway!

2011-11-21T17:34:00.001-06:00

Stepmoms typically get a bad rap. They are portrayed as ugly, selfish, mean and sometimes even villians in Hollywood and Disney movies alike. Even outside of the shining lights, some still have negative connotations when it comes to stepmoms.

I've always wanted to prove the evil stepmother rumors false, proving that you can be a stepmom and love your stepkids, treating them fairly and kindly.

Awhile back, Five Star Publishing sent me a copy of the book My Bonus Mom! Taking the Step out of Stepmom to read and review and I loved it. Author Tami Butcher shares her personal story of her own parents divorce and gaining what she calls a "bonus" mom.

The book is a children's book and I really loved the way she clarified in the book that her mom is her mom and always will be but that she was open to having her stepmom in her life as well. Many children in divorce or blended family situations have loyalty issues and she clears that up right away. Your mom is your mom, your dad is your dad!

She met her stepmom at age 11, which I have read and heard is a very difficult time for both kids and step-parents, so I give her and her family kudos for the way in which they handled their family situation and can come out on this side, with her now a mother herself who refers to both her mom and her "bonus" mom as grandma.

The current statistics say that 46% of first marriages end in divorce, second marriages are even higher than that. More of us than ever are ending up in these "bonus" roles. I give great thanks and appreciate to authors like Tami who are out there working to change popular misconceptions, focus on the positives and promote healthy families.

If you're interested in her book, Five Star Books is giving one away here. Simply visit Tami's website at http://www.mybonusmombook.com/ and read about the book and Tami, come back here and comment about what you think about her desire to take the step out of step-parent and you're entered.

Winner to be chosen Monday, November 28 at 8 p.m. by random.org.

My Bonus Mom’s publisher is Five Star Publications. In addition to My Bonus Mom, many of the books available through Five Star Publications’ online bookstore are international, national and local award-winners. The genres available cover the gamut from cookbooks to children's books, mystery to financial guides, Westerns to science fiction and everything in-between. In time for the holiday season, Five Star has launched a Family Book Club on Facebook called Book Nook offering an exclusive 25% off discount for fans – which is perfect for family book lovers who are buying bundles of books for holidays gifts, or for donations to their local schools or libraries, or for families that want to buy a few books throughout the year. For additional details about Book Nook – please visit: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=280654478622563.

This is a sponsored post and I received a complimentary copy of Tami Butcher's book. All words and opinions here are mine.

Tiny Prints Holiday Card Giveaway!

2011-11-10T14:12:00.006-06:00

With November in full swing everyone's starting to talk about the holidays.

Thanksgiving will be here in two weeks. Everyone knows what happens next.

It feels like unless you're intentional the weeks that follow turkey day can fly by.

I am all about being intentional, enjoying each and every part of the Christmas seasons.

What has helped me the last couple years has been planning ahead. Planning our calendar out and making sure we aren't overbooked, sitting down with J and making a list of gifts we plan on purchasing, budgetting how much we are planning on spending and also having our Christmas cards ready early.

I love being one of the first to send out our cards each year and get so excited to drop them off at the post office.

Our cards are here and ready to go, just waiting for a little note and some envelope addressing. Having this sometimes overwhelming job coming together so early in the season really helps for me!

I'm excited to be working with Tiny Prints this year as an affiliate and also thrilled to have the opportunity to giveaway 50 Holiday cards.

It's no secret that I am a big fan of Tiny Prints. I've ordered many cards from throughout this last year.

They have some of the best Christmas cards out there.

To enter the giveaway, share in the comments how you are intentional with your holidays?

For an additional entry, share what Holiday card you like best.

That means there are two entries per person.

While these are not additional entries you can like Tiny Prints on facebook here and my blog on facebook here. And of course, sharing the giveaway is always nice but not a requirement this time.

Giveaway ends Thursday November 17 at 8pm. Winner to be chosen by random.org.

Special today: Tiny Prints also has their classic return stamp on sale for 50% off today {$22.50!}, you can check that out and buy one right here.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Tiny Prints and this is a post sponsored by Tiny Prints but all the words and opinions expressed are mine.

Happy Sandwich Day!

2011-11-03T13:07:00.000-05:00

Did you know that today is National Sandwich Day?

Me either until Land O'Frost contacted me and asked to help spread the word.

A recent national survey showed that 51% of us eat sandwiches a majority of the time for lunch. {That's accurate for our bunch, what about you?}

To celebrate National Sandwich Day, Land O'Frost is giving away lunchmeat to all the relatives of the sandwich: Sam, Sammy, Samantha, even Samara. If you have a name with Sam in it, click over here for information and instructions on receiving your free lunchmeat.

Added bonus, if you or someone you know is having a baby today, the first baby named Sam today will receive free lunchmeat for life.

This is a sponsored post. All words and opinions are mine.
Comments are closed.

Design With Vinyl Giveaway!

2011-10-17T10:04:00.002-05:00

We've got some new wall decor in our basement. Ever since our basement was finished three years a go I've been thinking and planning and plotting what I wanted to cover the playroom walls. For a long time I was fond of an Einstein quote but this vinyl lettering quote by Emerson about play, couldn't have fit in any better.

Just a few weeks back, the vinyl letters from Design with Vinyl came in a tube in the mail and I got to work fixing them up on the wall.

While usually I like to leave these sorts of projects for J, I was impatient and wanted the words up. Thankfully it was a pretty easy job to get the words on the wall even with my littles running amok.

The letters come in between two adhesives. I positioned the letters to the wall and then removed the first adhesive from the back.

After applying pressure and rubbing against the words with a wooden popsicle stick, I started peeling the top adhesive.

Within 15 minutes my playroom wall had a whole new look.

Design with Vinyl is offering one of my readers a $45 shop credit to their online webstore so you too can choose a saying for your playroom {or bedroom or kitchen or wherever really!}

To enter, simply leave a comment here telling me what saying or words you would choose for your walls.

For additional entries:

* Like Design with Vinyl on Facebook

* Like Simplicity in the Suburbs on Facebook

* Like this post below

Leave a comment for each additional entry. {There are a maximum of four entries per person.}

Winner will be randomly chosen on Monday, October 24 at 8 p.m.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored review and I received my wall saying from Design with Vinyl free of charge. All words and opinions expressed here are mine.

Metropolis Resort Family Getaway Giveaway!

2011-10-12T19:35:00.000-05:00

Last March, our family had the opportunity to stay at this resort for a weekend and we loved it. Waterpark, indoor arcade and fun galore, there's not much not to love about it. Just 90 minutes away from the Twin Cities, it's the perfect distance for a little family overnight.

The water park was one of the best we'd been too. With a smaller splash pad area that leads to a larger pool area for water basketball and climbing. The lazy river is always one of my favorites. And of course, what makes a water park a water park? Slides! And lots of them.

Another perk of Metropolis Resort was the arcade. Bumper cars, go-karts, mini-bowling, a rock wall and all the games their little hearts can desire.

Metropolis Resort offers free breakfast every day and they also have several bars and restaurants on site so there really is no reason to have to leave.

We are excited to have the opportunity to go again thanks to Metropolis and I am especially excited to be able to partner with Metropolis Resort as they are offering a one night stay with four water park passes to one lucky reader. The water park passes would be good both on the day of check in and check out. {Value of the one night stay and water park passes is $159}

To enter, leave a comment below telling me why your family needs a little getaway.

For an additional entry, like Simplicity In The Suburbs on Facebook.

For one more entry, either hit the like button below and share the post on Facebook or tweet about the giveaway.

Leave a comment for each entry.

One winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday October 19. Certificate good for the stay and waterpark passes would be good for one year.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway but all words and opinions expressed are mine.

Barney's Birthday Bash Giveaway!

2011-09-19T12:22:00.001-05:00

Barney Live is coming to Minneapolis October 1st!

And I'm giving away a set of four tickets!

Celebrate with Barney on his birthday at this BRAND NEW, interactive, live stage concert, featuring more than 25 fun and upbeat sing-along tunes including your children’s favorites, such as "Mr. Knickerbocker", "Dino Dance", "Baby Bop Hop" and "Rock ‘n Roll Star". You’ll be singing and dancing in the aisles with your favorite purple dinosaur and his friends Baby Bop, BJ and Riff. It’s a fun-filled show all about sharing, caring and friendship -- brought to you by the power of your imagination!

Simply leave a comment here and you're entered to win.

Winner to choose if they would like to attend at 1:30pm or 4:30pm on October 1. Winner to be chosen by random.org on Friday, September 23.

If you don't win or are interested in purchasing tickets, you can order them here and use the code: Purple to save $3 on each ticket.

I Don't Know How She Does It. {Mani/Pedi Giveaway!}

2011-09-14T10:43:00.001-05:00

The subject matter on this is aprospos today because frankly, I'm having one of those days where I'm not sure how anyone does it.

Yesterday afternoon I had back to back to back meetings followed by a last minute call from J, needing the kids and I to come to his office to help with a video project that due to confidentiality actual clients couldn't help in. Of course by the time we did that, grabbed dinner, got home and got kids to bed, all I wanted to do was fall in bed but I had stories due.

So I wrote and I wrote and I wrote and fell into bed at 11:30 or so, the alarm went off at 6:30 this morning because M had homework she had to finish up that she didn't have time to do yesterday.{Due to rushing to J's office.}

I got T and M out the door, mostly successfully and had hoped to get to the gym, where I can check my littles into childcare and work out and read for a bit. Just after getting my kids in the car though, I saw an email on my phone realizing I screwed up and didn't get something turned in this morning that should have been.

So the me-time I was craving was put on hold.

I admit, these days, I'm a little overwhelmed. On top of the normal household and parenting responsibilities, I've got writing responsibilities not just on my blog and elsewhere. I've only got two kid-free afternoons to get work done and sometimes when that time is filled with appointments I have to make up the writing time somewhere else, such as late nights at home or the coffee shop. Oh yeah, and remember that book project I was working on once upon a time, I think it's been 3 months since I did any work on it because I am just making it with all the other responsibilities.

The list of people I am owing emails, phone calls, letters even texts! isn't even funny and makes me feel bad and honestly, sometimes keeps me up at night because I start feeling like a bad friend.

I know that this feeling and this moment is simply a season right now and that we're still finding our school/schedule groove but I also admit that between responsibilities, children and lack of babysitting options some days, the lack of down time or a break for me is getting a little bit old.

I would say that generally speaking I get my share of me time between date nights {we do get a lot of dates, including one tonight at a college alum event!} and girls nights and such but many moms {and women, in general!} don't make time for this.

Eversave surveyed over 700 moms and 35% percent said they find time for themselves once a month and their preferred way to spend that time is pampering themselves with manicures, pedicures, facials and other spa treatments.

What do you do for me-time?

As part of their Back-to-Beauty promotion, Eversave {a group discount site} is offering one of my readers three of their deals for Colleen and Company, a Roseville, MN Aveda salon and spa. {On sale today for $40 at Eversave} The certificates would be good for the winner and two friends to go and get spa manicures AND pedicures. What's better than a girls trip for manis and pedis right?

To enter, simply leave a comment here telling me how you do it all. What are you juggling and what makes your life easier? Basically, how are you doing it all?

For a second entry, share the contest on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment with the link in the comments.

For a third entry, become a follower on either FB or blogger or subscribe by email to my blog and leave a comment. If you already are, simply say that in the comments.

For a fourth entry, join Eversave and start receiving their daily email deals, leave a comment telling me you did so.

That's right there are FOUR ways to enter. This is a big giveaway with a retail value of over $300. One winner will be chosen by random.org on Wednesday, September 21 at 8pm. This contest is open to ANYONE but please keep in mind the certificates are good in Minnesota, only. You do not have to be a mom or a woman to enter.

PS In the time it took me to do this post, I have responded to emails, made lunch for my littles and packed a snack for H to bring to school. We're moments away from heading to the bus to get H off to kindergarten and then I'm hoping E and I are off for a long, relaxing walk.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all words and opinions are mine. I am also receiving my own certificate to Colleen and Company from Eversave.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Bead For Life.

2011-08-29T09:22:00.004-05:00

Bead for Life is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women in Uganda. Their mission statement is: creating sustainable opportunities for women to lift their families out of extreme poverty by connecting people worldwide in a circle of exchange that enriches everyone.

Basically, Ugandan women string together beautiful (and I mean beautiful) necklaces and bracelets with handcrafted paper-beads, the Bead for Life organization in turn sells these and then pays these women fair trade so that they can better their lives and the lives of their family.

How many times a year are you invited to miscellaneous home parties? Tastefully Simple? Mary Kay? Premier Jewelry? Pampered Chef? Thirty One? The parties are all great and fun and all of us find things we love and must have. How much money would you say you spend at these parties?

Bead for Life also takes place at home parties and they have asked me to share about their organization and also the opportunity for you to host a party. I am planning on hosting one myself as well.

The premise is simple and much like you've probably already done, gather your friends, your neighbors, your family and have them come and see the beautiful, one of a kind, pieces of jewelry made with love by a Ugandan woman trying to better her life. Bead for Life sends you a party package free of charge full of miscellaneous jewelry to sell and after the party you send back the jewelry and the money collected. From now until September 30th, anyone who signs up to host a party is entered to win a trip to Uganda to meet the women who are making the jewelry and also a safari experience.

Take a wander at the Bead for Life website, if it doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

Bead for Life has sent me a bracelet to give away to a reader. All I ask is that you consider hosting a party, you don't have to commit to me, but take a look at their site, think about it.

Leave me a comment telling me what piece of jewelry on their site you just love and you're entered to win the bracelet.

This is not a sponsored post. Bead for Life did send me a bracelet and promotional materials. I am giving the bracelet away to a reader in hopes of spreading the word on this organization I believe in.

Stonyfield Farms Event & Giveaway!

2011-07-20T16:52:00.001-05:00

Stonyfield Farms Organic Family Love Fest

As part of its national a cross-country tour, the Organic Family Love Fest offers Minneapolis area families an opportunity to play, eat and learn with the organic experts. The event will feature delicious yogurt tastings, cooking demos from local chefs, food and nutrition information, and barnyard shenanigans for kids including Stonyfield Farm’s own automated “pooping cow” that teaches about organic farming with a hint of humor. Stonyfield will donate $1 to charitable organization Healthy Child, Healthy World for every handprint added to the event’s handprint wall.

When: Saturday, July 23

Time: 6:00 PM– 10:00 PM

Where: Minneapolis Aquatennial

Marketing Minneapolis

81 S. 9th Street #260

Minneapolis, MN

Are you a fan of Greek yogurt? How about Yo Baby products? Here's your chance to win some FREE coupons for FREE products. Simply leave a comment here with your favorite kind of yogurt {can be any flavor, brand, whatever} and you're entered. One winner will be chosen to receive a Stonyfield Farms prize package including a cookbook that includes yogurt in its recipes and coupons for free Yo Baby and Oikos Greek Yogurt. This is open to any US residents as the coupons are good nationwide, so even if you don't live in Minnesota, feel free to enter. Winner will be chosen Monday July 25!

Disclosure: Stonyfield Farms sent us a prize package including free product.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Moon Dough Giveaway!

2011-07-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

When the package arrived a few weeks ago all four kids were super excited. Moon Dough!

The day the package arrived. This is not posed or staged at all. They all four were really into it.

We've never had it or used it before and it was really fun!

It's called "magical molding dough" because it never dries out. It's got a really weird, sandy texture and it a lot different than most of the "doughs" we've played with before.

SpinMaster Toys makes Moon Dough and they are giving TWO readers the Moon Dough Magic Zoo playset.

To enter:

Leave a comment here. That's it.

Contest ends Wednesday, July 20 at 10pm.

Disclosure: Spin Master Toys sent us MoonDough and other toys to try out and play with as well as ones to give away.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Tiny Prints Father's Day Promo!

2011-05-30T21:52:00.001-05:00

In a matter of seconds, you can create personalized Father's Day Cards and have Tiny Prints mail them directly to you or the recipient. Instead of sending a generic run-of-the-mill card, search Tiny Prints for a selection of unique cards that are humorous, sentimental, show appreciation or poke fun at your Dad's favorite hobby.

From now until June 6th, Tiny Prints is running a special promotion offering customized Father's Day cards as low as $.99. Just use the code GC99 at checkout.

{Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I am an affiliate of Tiny Prints.}

Comments are closed.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Lego Kids Fest Ticket Giveaway!!

2011-05-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

Now that May is here, we're even closer to Lego Kids Fest here in Minnesota.

Just a couple weeks away, they'll be here May 20-22 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. {If you are bummed because you don't live in Minnesota, check out their site for other event dates and locations including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut.}

This is not your typical LEGO experience and will be very different than the LEGO exhibits at the Mall of America and the Children's Museum. It's a not to be missed event for any LEGO loving kid!

H is just starting to really get into LEGO's and even received some fun sets for his birthday so we are really looking forward to going in a few weeks.

You may have heard of this event a few weeks back when they were on sale on Groupon. They sold out within hours!

They are still selling regular priced tickets: $20 for adults, $18 for children/seniors and kids 3 and under are FREE.

I'm excited to be able to give TWO tickets away to the event!

Tickets are good for the Sunday, May 22 3pm-8pm session so please only enter if you are available to go that day and time as they can not be exchanged for another session.

There are three ways to enter the giveaway but five entries possible per person, so good luck!

Trivia-
#1: What country are LEGO's orginally from?
#2: What does LEGO mean?
#3: Who is the inventor?

Additional entries-
Like my blog on facebook here. (If you already do, leave a comment here saying you do.)

Subscribe to my blog either via email or follow via google. (You can do this over here and again, if you already do leave a comment here saying you do.)

{Please leave a seperate comment with each entry.}

Contest ends Sunday, May 8 at 8pm.

For additional chances to win, visit my friend Beth's blog, AntiSupermom, where she is also giving away tickets.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and LEGOKidsFest also gave our family complimentary passes to attend the event.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Lego Kids Fest.

2011-04-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

Save the date!

Lego Kids Fest is coming to Minneapolis.

Dates & Sessions:

Friday, May 20th
4pm - 9pm

Saturday, May 21st
Session I: 9 am – 2 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 8 pm

Sunday, May 22nd
Session I: 9 am – 2 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 8 pm

Tickets are on sale now and if you grab a copy of the most recent Minnesota Parent you can save a few bucks.

If you have a lego-lover, this is a not to be missed event. There will be activities and events galore at the sessions and you're guaranteed to have a blast.

As it gets closer I'll be giving away a set of tickets but until then check out the event, make some plans with the little ones you know who love Legos and enjoy!!

For full information on Lego Kids Fest visit their website here.

Metropolis Resort Review and Giveaway!

2011-04-05T13:29:00.003-05:00

Last week, J, our littles and I took a little getaway over to Eau Claire, WI! 90 minutes from home, just far enough to feel as though we're away but close enough. {For those Leinenkugels fans, the brewery is minutes away and they do daily free tours. Kids welcome too.}

We loved Metropolis Resort. We spent two nights and we were able to see and do everything (and more!)

The rooms were modern and good sized.

The water park was one of the best we've been too. With a smaller splash pad area that leads to a larger pool area for water basketball and climbing. The lazy river is always one of my favorites. And of course, what makes a water park a water park? Slides! And lots of them.

Four little kid tube slides, a body plunge slide, a large tube slide and then the good old twister slide.

Four year old H could have stayed in the pool area the entire stay. He loved every piece of it.

Another perk of Metropolis is the arcade. Bumper cars, go-karts, mini-bowling, a rock wall and all the games their little hearts can desire. Two year old E was definitely on the young side for this but H quickly got busy playing air hockey and bumper cars.

Metropolis Resort offers free breakfast every day and they also have several bars and restaurants on site so there really is no reason to have to leave. Our first night there H and I shared our favorite chicken alfredo pizza at Monkey in the Middle Pizza and if I could go back just to get the pizza, I would. It was that good.

Overall we had a blast. Our kids were wore out, we had fun chasing and running and relaxing at the end of the day. {Also, I took less than 10 pictures. We were that busy having fun!}

We highly recommend it! Especially to local Minnesotans who want to take a little getaway but don't want to drive too far or be away for too long. Thank you Metropolis for a great time!!

I'm happy to have the opportunity to give away a ONE night stay {standard room with 2 queens) and FOUR water park passes. An extra bonus is $10 Monkey in the Middle Pizza credit. {Eat a chicken alfredo pizza for me, will you?}

If you're interested, leave a comment here telling me why your family needs this spring getaway.

For an additional entry, share the contest on facebook and twitter and leave a comment telling me here.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Metropolis gave our family a complimentary stay in exchange for review/giveaway purposes. However, all opinions expressed here are my own and TRUE. Winner to be chosen by random.org on Sunday April 10 at 8pm.}

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Buitoni Dinner Giveaway.

2011-04-05T13:11:00.000-05:00

Wondering what to do for dinner? Wonder no more, Buitoni is here to help!

Our family had the opportunity to try out their refrigerated pasta and sauce and we weren't disappointed. Three of our kids are big fans of anything Italian, the cheesier the better and Buitoni's Four Cheese Ravioli did NOT disappoint!

Many times when I think of or see quick and easy "convenience" foods, after reading the label I find they aren't as healthy as I'd like but with Buitoni, I knew we were getting all natural ingredients and the nutrition facts weren't bad either.

Have you ever tried Buitoni Pastas or sauces? Do you have a favorite? Or if you haven't, which would you most likely like to try???

Leave a comment here and you're entered to win dinner from Buitoni!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The prize "dinner" in this situation is coupons to receive complimentary product. Winner to be chosen by random.org on Friday, April 8 at 12pm.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Two Minutes, Twice A Day Challenge.

2011-03-22T07:49:00.001-05:00

Metro Dentalcare has done it again! They're putting Minnesota bloggers and their readers to the challenge.

Can you (and your kids, if you've got them) commit to brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day for two weeks??? If so, leave a comment on this post just making the commitment and you're entered in a giveaway for some {really, great} Twins Tickets!!

Prevention and education is key to oral hygiene success. When you and your kids brush your teeth twice a day, you’re helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and extra procedures down the line. Active prevention saves families like yours time, money and stress.

Simply leave a comment here committing to two minutes, twice a day for two weeks and you're entered in the giveaway for Twins tickets. That's it! Then get brushing!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored giveaway. I am not a patient at Metro Dentalcare. A select number of Twin Cities bloggers are invited to participate and the winner for the two sets of Twins tickets will be chosen from all entries on all participating blogs.

Free Flavor Friday!

2011-02-03T21:41:00.001-06:00

For one day only, Coffee-Mate is giving away 100,000 FREE bottles of flavored creamer.

Simply LIKE Coffee-Mate on their Facebook page here and watch for your chance to print your coupon Friday, Feb. 4.

{Watch for a chance to get free coupons on my facebook page here as well.}

Comments are closed.

The Mini Social

2011-02-02T20:36:00.001-06:00

Conceived for moms by moms.

The Mini Social provides private access to the most hip and modern designer clothing and accessories for mom, baby and child.

Some sales have included: Oilily, LAMade, tea, Livie Luca, Misha Lulu.

The site is invitation only and I'm inviting ALL of my readers.

Click here to get started.

{Disclosure: The above links are affiliate links, meaning if you join and make a purchase I receive shop credit.}

Comments are closed.

Coffee-Mate Coffee House GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-27T16:07:00.000-06:00

When Coffee-Mate recently contacted me about partnering together for some reviews and giveaways, it was pretty much a no-brainer for me.

I love me some coffee and I was itching to try their new line of coffee house creamers.

So a week later one of my favorite Christmas presents came in the mail so that we could create our own coffeehouse here at home.

An ipod docking station with an Itunes gift card.
A new mug, coffee spoon and coupons to try the new coffee house creamers.

When I'm at the coffee shop, my typical favorite drink is a Caramel Macciato so no surprise here, I got the caramel macciato creamer.

And it was so good. Sweet but not too sweet. I added it to cocoa one day, black coffee another. {I can see why some might be tempted to drink the creamer alone. I didn't.}

J and I love hanging out with warm beverages in hand, good music, the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree and our house is transformed to our very own coffeehouse. We go over our calendars, write notes to friends, just chat about life and to-dos and our kids and goals and did I mention, life?

Nestle Coffee-mate would like to give one of my readers their very own Coffee House Gift Package including:

Ipod Dock
Itunes Gift card
Stainless Steel Coffee Spoon
Coupons to try the new Nestle Coffee Mate Creamers

Wouldn't this make a delightful gift to start the new year?

There are THREE ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment here sharing what your favorite part of having coffee is? Is it the wake-up adrenaline you get from it? The time spent with a good friend chatting? The ambience of a nice, quiet coffee shop? Tell me.

2. Leave a comment here sharing your favorite creamer or which one you'd most like to try.

3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter {or both!} and leave a comment HERE. {If you are already a follower just say that in the comment!}

A winner will be chosen by random.org on Sunday, January 2, 2011.

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post but the opinions and words shared here are mine.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Kelloggs Gingerbread Pop-Tarts Taste Test and Giveaway!!

2010-12-20T09:09:00.000-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts®.

Our second video debut, take a look what I put M up to this time.

Leave a comment telling me what you think of our second video and enter to win $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. Visit the Official Rules

For other chances to win- Visit the Exclusive Offers section

Visit the Official site

Contest ends December 25, 2010 and winner to be chosen by random.org.

Kelloggs Gingerbread Pop-Tarts Recipe and Giveaway!

2010-12-13T09:25:00.002-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts®.

Every holiday season we jump in with both feet as we gather up the bins of all the decorations that have been waiting in the rafters. We unpack and we reminisce and we make plans. About going sledding and drinking cocoa. Shopping for the perfect gifts and then that infamous Gingerbread House.

I’m not sure about you, but for me, we have never, ever, ever found a kit that works just the way it’s supposed to. You fork over the money for this all inclusive kit with the nasty tasting frosting and you try to get it all together and inevitable the roof caves in as you put the gum drops atop it.

Kelloggs Pop-Tarts sent us some Gingerbread Pop-Tarts that are going like hot cakes over here and on the box there was a picture of a Gingerbread House made with the Pop-Tarts and I had a light bulb moment.

Supplies needed:
Kelloggs Gingerbread Pop-Tarts
Kelloggs Pop-Tarts {any flavor you prefer with sprinkles}
Vanilla Frosting
Candies or Gummies

First I took my Gingerbread Pop-Tarts and used a thick coat of frosting to stick them together in the shape of a rectangle.

Then I used Strawberry Pop-Tarts for the roof {with another healthy coating of frosting}.

Then I took my fruit snacks and decorated.

It took 20 minutes and is still standing an entire day after I built it. {Even after little fingers have taken the fruit snacks off the top.}

It was a simple, fun holiday activity.

What are some of your fun, holiday traditions this time of year?

Leave a comment sharing your favorite holiday tradition to enter to win $100 Visa Giftcard from BlogHer.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. Visit the Official Rules

For other chances to win- Visit the Exclusive Offers section

Visit the Official site

Contest ends December 25, 2010 and winner to be chosen by random.org.

Sesame Street Live Giveaway!

2010-12-07T15:40:00.002-06:00

Sesame Street is coming to town. {Minneapolis!}

Elmo's Healthy Heroes will be LIVE on stage at the Target Center January 19-23, 2011 with a variety of showtimes.

I'm really excited to take our littles to another show by Vee Corporation and here's your chance to win a family four pack of tickets. {What a fun Christmas present that would be! I'm all about giving experiences versus things!}

Trivia!
Answer each question as it's own comment. {Any incorrect answers will be deleted before the winner is chosen.}

1. What year did Sesame Street first air on television?

2. How old is Elmo?

3. All of the characters on Sesame Street have five fingers except _____ who has four.

For additional entries, "like" Simplicity in the Suburbs on Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did (or that you already do.)

Follow Simplicity in the Suburbs or subscribe via email here and leave a comment saying you did (or that you already do.)

Each person has FIVE possible entries.

Contest ends Wednesday, December 15. Winner to be chosen by random.org.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. In addition, my family was given complimentary tickets to Sesame Street Live. Winner will receive ticket vouchers that can be redeemed at the box office for tickets to any show that has seats available. The vouchers will be mailed via USPS and it is the winners responsibility to follow up with the box office on show times and seat availability.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

If I Could Keep You Little Giveaway.

2010-12-07T13:49:00.001-06:00

Since E was born, I've grouped the kids as my bigs (T and M) and my littles (H and E). It was the only way I could abbreviate or shorten it without saying their names or explaining what I was meaning. So when author Marianne Richmond (from Minneapolis) sent me her newest book; If I Could Keep You Little, I was excited to read it to my littles.

The book is both sweet and inspiring as it reminds us of all the things we love about our kids little but then reminds us of what we would miss as they become big if we kept them little.

The book ends;

If I could keep you little, I'd keep you close to me.

But then I'd miss you growing into who you're meant to be.

Here's your chance to win your own signed copy of the book. {This would be a great gift for any bigs OR littles you have in your life! Even the grown up ones!}

Leave a comment here sharing what most you'll miss (or that you already miss) about your kids being little.

For an additional entry, leave a comment here sharing what you're looking forward to (or already enjoying) about your kids being big.

{Each person has two chances to win!}

Contest ends Monday December 13 and winner to be chosen by random.org.

Disclosure:This is a sponsored post and in addition, I was given my own copy of the book.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

BJ Trees and B&J Evergreen Details and COUPON!

2010-11-23T21:37:00.002-06:00

B&J Evergreen is located in Clear Lake, MN. Visit their website for a map and hours. In addition to the trees, they also sell wreaths, swags, kissing balls and other Christmas tree items. They have horse drawn sleigh rides, a petting zoo, Santa, a haystack and of course, a gift shop.

BJ Trees has four metro locations that sell fresh cut direct from the grower trees. They are located: Richfield Farmers Market, Knollwood Mall in St. Louis Park, Maplewood Mall and Eden Prairie Center next to Target. Hours are 9am-9pm.

This coupon is valid for $3 off on the purchase of a Christmas tree at any of the locations {including Choose and Cut}. One per family, please.

Sesame Street Live PRESALE Tickets.

2010-11-20T19:30:00.002-06:00

Elmo's Healthy Heroes is coming to Minneapolis January 19-23, 2011 and to get the best seats in the house you can buy pre-sale tickets before Nov. 26. {Think Christmas present for those Sesame Street lovers in your house!}

Visit Sesame Street Live and use code: SMWW.

Visit my blog at http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Pop-Tarts Thanksgiving Breakfast & Giveaway!

2010-11-17T12:59:00.002-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.®

Need a quick, easy breakfast for a busy, Thanksgiving morning? Here's M and I sharing one:

Leave a comment below sharing what you think about our recipe {or our first video blog!} and enter to win $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer. {Comments from the two Kelloggs Pop-Tarts posts will be combined and a winner will be drawn by random.org}

For additional entries:

· Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)

· Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)

Also, check out the other nine reviews of Kelloggs Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts for more chances to win!

Contest runs from 11/11/10-11/25/10 and the official rules can be found here.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Kelloggs Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts Review and Giveaway!

2010-11-11T10:58:00.004-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.®

Now that November is here, we are awaiting our first tastes of egg nog and pumpkin pie. Two of our very favorite holiday favorites. Recently, we were able to try the Kelloggs Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts and hands down, the people in our house, think they are pretty good.

One afternoon as an after school snack, I told 9 year old M that she could help me come up with a fun little recipe using our Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts. Here’s what we made:

Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts Sundaes

You need:
Vanilla ice cream
Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts
Whip Cream
Cinnamon
Sprinkles

First we put the ice cream in the dish.

Then crumbled the Pop-Tarts on top of the ice cream.

Then we added a little bit of whip cream.

A pinch of cinnamon and a shake of sprinkles.

Delicious!

With the upcoming holidays, what are some treats that you are especially looking forward to?

Share in the comment section and enter to win a $100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Curious George Live.

2010-11-05T13:56:00.000-05:00

If you are bummed that you didn't win tickets to Curious George, it's not too late to purchase them and go and attend.

To buy tickets click here.

Use promotion code: FRIEND for $3 OFF per ticket.

Enjoy!

But don't wait too long, the show is coming up! November 20 and 21 ONLY!

Shutterfly Giveaway.

2010-11-05T07:53:00.004-05:00

So it's the week after Halloween and you all know what that means, right?

The Halloween stuff has all been marked to clearance {I scored some M&M's for $0.94 the other day!} and the Christmas stuff has taken over. The music is playing, the wrapping is lined up and the trees are being assembled as you walk through the aisles of Target.

It's also time to start thinking about that Holiday card!

I'm feeling one step ahead this year as our cards are done and printed and awaiting a quick note {are you in the group that likes that? dislikes that?} and some addressing of envelopes and they'll be off. My goal is the week of Thanksgiving. I like to be one of the first.

We have used Shutterfly for photo cards in the past as well as photo books and other gifts. If you haven't checked out the options on their site you are missing out. They run great sales just about all the time and always have the newest, nicest designs out there.

I especially am enjoying their invitation options this year as for the first time J and I are hosting a Toys for Tots Holiday Party and I'll need to be getting those sent out very soon before friends holiday schedules fill up.

So here's a fun way to end the week, how about 50 free photo cards from Shutterfly?

Simply leave a comment and you're in. Tell me what you think of Christmas letters with cards. Or tell me what card you'd choose if you won.

Contest runs until Monday November 8 at 8pm. Winner to be chosen by random.org

This is a sponsored post by Shutterfly. The prize is also supplied by Shutterfly.

Curious George Live GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-27T21:33:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure I've been this excited about a giveaway to date, but this one is worth getting excited about.

Vee Corporation, the producers of Sesame Street Live, are bringing Curious George Live to town and we can't wait.

My littles are HUGE fans of that crazy monkey and the man with the yellow hat. I'm pretty sure it's the first PBS show H ever saw and there are many mornings that I'll turn on an episode and finish getting ready and know that they will stay put for a few minutes.

Needless to say, our family can't wait to attend the show next month. We'll make a production of it by traveling to the Lost City {Minneapolis} and getting a special dinner afterwards.

Here's your chance to win FOUR tickets for your family to attend ANY of the Minneapolis Curious George Live shows next month.

Curious George Live is coming to the Target Center in Minneapolis on November 20 & 21.

Here's how you can enter; below are three trivia questions. Each question is it's own entry, so simply leave a comment with a valid email address with the answer to the question. {Example: Q4: George.}

Besides the trivia, you can also become a follower of Simplicity In The Suburbs or subscribe via email, leave a comment.

And finally, like Simplicity In The Suburbs on Facebook and leave a comment.

There are FIVE different ways to win and you can enter once or up to five times.

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!

The giveaway runs until Wednesday November 3 at 10pm. I will announce a winner {and a discount to buy tickets} sometime on Thursday November 4. {All incorrect trivia answers will be deleted before random.org chooses a winner.}

Trivia Questions:

Q1: What is the name of the Doorman's dog in Curious George's building?

Q2: What is the Man with the Yellow Hat's real name?

Q3: Who are the creators of Curious George?

Good Luck, friends!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. In addition, my family was given complimentary tickets to Curious George Live. Winner will receive ticket vouchers that can be redeemed at the box office for tickets to any show that has seats available. The vouchers will be mailed via USPS and it is the winners responsibility to follow up with the box office on show times and seat availability.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

CSN Stores Review To Come.

2010-10-07T07:35:00.001-05:00

CSN Stores has become a household name over here. Between baby gear, console tables, their great kitchen ware collection and even shoes, I always price check on their site ever since I found out about them this summer. {I am especially a big fan of their baby and kid gear!}

This month, I'll soon be receiving another product to review from them and next month I'll be hosting another giveaway. Can you guess what it is I'll be reviewing this time?

A new toddler bed for Miss E.

Be sure and check out their site and all the items you can order online, especially those with free shipping!

This was a sponsored post.

Curious George Live.

2010-09-27T16:20:00.004-05:00

Curious George Live is coming to town and the littles in our house can NOT wait! Vee Corporation {the company that produces the show} has given our family a set of tickets and also gave me a set of FOUR tickets to give away in an upcoming trivia giveaway. So...if you or your kiddos like Curious George, be prepared in the next couple weeks for a little George trivia!

Tickets are avaiable for PRESALE now over here. {You'll get the best seat choices now but if you want to wait and buy tickets later, I'll have a $3 off coupon closer to show time.}

Vee Corporation also produces Sesame Street Live and this Saturday morning (October 2) at the Blaine Sports Center they are doing a FREE dress rehearsal for "Elmo's Green Thumb" that is open to the public. Showtime is at 9:30am but they suggest going early to get good seats as it's first come, first serve.

CSN Stores Giveaway!

2010-09-07T20:11:00.000-05:00

What website can you buy dutch ovens, luggage, car seats and shoes?

CSN Stores of course!

Before our big, huge family road trip across the country, they contacted me and provided us with the lovely Inglesina stroller that we used on the road.

I had been contemplating a Maclaren simply because they are so lightweight and also have the recline feature and was more than satisfied with the Inglesina.

We definitely put the miles on!

I was thrilled when CSN Stores contacted me again this time offering to give something away to MY readers.

How does a $60 store credit sound????

All you need to do is leave a comment here telling me what you'd choose to use the $60 store credit for.

Me, I've been eye-ing the SkipHop diaper bags. (My husband tells me we need another diaper bag like we needed another stroller! Ha!)

They offer everything and anything you can imagine. Kids toys, furniture, luggage, kitchen ware, shoes, baby gear!

Giveaway runs until Tuesday September 14 at 8pm.

Disclosure: CSN Stores gave me a shop credit to purchase the stroller of my choosing in July. CSN Stores is hosting this giveaway and will give the winner a discount code valid for $60. The code must be used in one transaction. IE You can't spend $30 now and save the other $30. No change will be given. Can not be combined with other codes on the site. Winner to be chosen by random.org.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

BlogHer and Bayer One A Day Multivitamins $150 giveaway!

2010-08-11T12:00:00.003-05:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Bayer One A Day Multivitamins.

What matters more? Is it relationships? Money? Family? Health and wellness?

What is it in your life that matters most and that you strive to make a priority?

Sometimes I think we lose track of what it is that really matters more which is why this tool can help you decide and make realistic and reasonable goals for what matters more to you.

This past November, in my quest to complete the National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) challenge, I started something called “Thankful Thursday” where I shared what I was thankful for right then. Many friends joined in both via their own blogs and via comments and it was fun, and if I’m honest, also sometimes challenging, to have that time each week to really sit down and think about the things I was most thankful for.

For me, giving thanks and counting my blessings is something very important. I don’t ever want to take for granted the many luxuries I know that I have, the people in my life and the moments in my days. And what I’ve realized is most of the things that matter most to me and that were recurring themes to me were family and relationships.

Speaking of health and wellness and that general life balance feeling we all long for. (Right? It’s not just me that some days feel as though I’m flying by the seat of my pants…)

Check out the tool on the website and set up your own goals and rediscover what it is that matters most to you. Is it health and wellness?

Relationships? Family time? Money?

For me, I am happiest and most full when I am with my family and the relationship I share with my husband is a priority!

What goals would you set to help you make what matters most really what matters most?

My goal is being more thankful and getting Thankful Thursday started up again and since it’s not quite Thursday but I’m still thankful, today I’m thankful that BlogHer is giving one of my readers $150.

All you have to do is leave a comment here with what matters most to you right now or what you are most thankful for right now.

There are five other bloggers giving away the $150 and BlogHer offering another $100, so go here and check them out.

Contest goes from August 11, 2010-September 11, 2010

Official Rules can be found here.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Sunscreen.

2010-07-13T13:19:00.004-05:00

I was invited by Neutrogena to review their newest sunscreen product, the UltraSheer Liquid Sunscreen. I was thrilled because sunscreen is a big deal to this blue eyed, blonde fair skinned family.

Initial thoughts after a few uses:
Not greasy.

The liquid is like water and absorbed into my skin quickly. I couldn't even tell when touching my skin that I had put sunscreen on where typically their is a gleen or a feel to it.

I used it primarly on my face and the label reads that it works well underneath makeup. I don't wear makeup. {Like ever, besides my wedding!} But I think that for people that do choose to wear makeup it'd be nice to put it on as a foundation underneath.

I wore it all day the couple times I've tried it and never had to reapply and didn't have any overexposure.

From my first few days of trial, I think it's a quality product and one I would definitely consider using all the time.

Have you tried this sunscreen?

Are you interested in it? If so, first leave a comment here and then go here for a $2 coupon or here if you have a blog and would be interested in doing your own review.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored review and I did receive the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Safety Tat Giveaway!

2010-07-13T13:03:00.005-05:00

Safety Tat generously gave me a pack of six "Quick Stick Write On" tattoos that I am planning on bringing on our upcoming vacation and using when we are visiting busy and crowded places like Chocolate World and DC and of course, Busch Gardens.

In the {hopefully very unlikely} event that one of the kids gets separated from us, they would know how to find us.

The tattoos are a skin safe peel and stick tattoo. There is a special pen {provided} that you use to write down emergency information such as allergies or a parents phone number.

The tattoos will last up to TWO weeks, but can be removed whenever the parent decides.

I love this idea and actually think it's a brilliant idea not just for the idea of emergency information when getting lost, but also the idea of noting allergies. We have visited some new churches over the summer and one of the harder parts about being able to leave E in the nursery {along with her separation anxiety} is communicating what she can and can't have for snack or what is accessible to her in the room. You have no idea how many sippy cups of milk are there for other children that E is attracted to. I love the idea of being able to slap a tattoo on her arm as a constant reminder to those taking care of her for the service.

Visit Safety Tat's website for more of their product offerings.

Safety Tat would like to give away a six pack of tattoos to one of my readers.

All you have to do is leave a comment here telling me what you would use your Safety Tat's for.

Winner will be chosen Friday, July 16. Contest ends at 8pm.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Sprint: 10 Minutes A Day.

2010-06-24T22:18:00.002-05:00

Do you have ten minutes a day to yourself?

If you do, what do you do?

I find that when I've got ten free minutes I'll pick up my book and read a few chapters. Most of my "free" time is in the car (not driving, don't worry) or at one of the kids activities. Or while my kids have playdates or naps.

I've begun always having a book or magazine with me to be prepared for when I have this free time. Also whenever I know I have birthdays or holidays coming up I'll bring some cards and my address book along to get caught up on that.

Most days I think I spoil away my "free" time by catching up on facebook or blogs in the evening, falling into bed completely spent.

So now you tell me, what do you do with your "free" time?

Sprint has just launched Gaming on the Now Network™, bringing you the first wireless 4G network from a national carrier. Sprint and JuiceBoxJungle have sponsored me to write about what "ten minutes" a day means to me.

Visit my blog at http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

EarDoc.

2010-05-23T20:23:00.001-05:00

As many know, 17 month old E has had her share of ear issues so I was more than happy and excited when the makers of EarDoc sent me their product.

The product has been shown and studied on the television show THE DOCTORS and there is some other research that has been done as well to suggest that ear infections and issues can be reduced with it. {However the product doesn't replace seeing a doctor especially if pain persists.)

EarDoc is a non-evasive device that can help with middle ear fluid and pressure in the ears. The company even suggests that it should be tried before tubes.

Basically the device goes behind the ear and vibrates the mastoid bone to the eustachian tube to break up and drain the fluid.

I brought the device to our Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist this last week at a check up for E and asked him about it. He found it very interesting and said considering it is non-evasive it can't hurt or cause harm.

Because E is still so little and very sensitive about her ears being touched we have not had the chance to test it out on her and reducing her middle ear fluid but it's something I am definitely interested in trying as she gets older.

Have you ever heard of the EarDoc? What'd your thoughts and opinion of such a product? If you are interested in more information or to purchase one, please visit their site.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Video Confessions.

2010-05-21T22:46:00.003-05:00

Sometimes at bedtime Miss M pulls all the stops. And J usually gets roped into talking about everything under the sun and calming her down to get her to bed.

But a funny thing happened a few weeks ago when J was out of town. Miss M went to bed each night with not a single issue or problem at night.

There weren't multiple trips to the bathroom or to just get a drink. Or to tell me that she's scared of this or that or what. She just went downstairs and went to bed.

I told J and he was super annoyed. I mean he has gotten roped into her games way too many nights. But the first night he was back sure enough Miss M started the game, claiming she didn't want to get in trouble while he was away and so on.

It was a mess. One that pretty much left him and I at odds. Me, thinking she's playing games and him, thinking I have no sympathy.

But the next day, something very interesting happened. Miss M came up to me and said;

"I'm sorry for how I acted last night at bedtime. I was just really tired."

I told her to hold that thought and ran and grabbed our camera to videotape her as she said that she really wasn't scared or needing a parent, she was just tired and then got upset because we weren't listening to her.

We haven't had a problem with bedtime since!

So glad I got it on film!

What things have happened to you that you are glad to have caught on film or wish that you would have?

This post was sponsored by Canon.

Canon has released the PowerShot SX210 IS, which combines the ability to take great photos & also shoot high definition video. Canon and JuiceBoxJungle sponsored me to write this post, and talk about what shooting video means to my family.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Two Minutes. Twice A Day.

2010-05-21T22:32:00.004-05:00

Metro Dentalcare put the challenge out there.

Can you brush your kids teeth for two minutes, two times a day for TWO weeks?

I don't know about you but we try to get our kids to brush their teeth at least twice a day but somedays it gets tough and crazy. And the two minute deal, umm, I am positive we are slacking on that part.

So this is a challenge right up my alley.

What about yours?

If you've got kids and want to join in on this challenge simply leave a comment on this post.

It gets better, MetroDentalcare is going to give away two sets of Twins tickets to two lucky participants. (Two sets of FOUR tickets in June.)

Your entry is your comment.

For additional entries you can write on facebook about it and twitter using the @MetroDentalCare or #twiceaday.

Any questions, let me know!

Good luck!
Get brushin'.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I am not a patient at Metro Dentalcare and am not being paid or compensated by them. They have given me a set of Saints tickets for a game in June for participating in the challenge. I am ineligible to win the Twins tickets. I am not providing the prize, Metro Dentalcare is. The winner is to be chosen by Metro Dentalcare. Contest ends June 3, 2010.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

Win Tickets to USBANK'S Skyway Open Golf Tournament!

2010-02-10T21:22:00.001-06:00

Hey Minnesota friends!

Have you heard of the Skyway Open?

It's sponsored by USBank and is 18 one-of-a-kind miniature golf holes throughout the skyway of downtown Minneapolis.

The event benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.

A super fun event for all ages, I've got tickets for a family of four to go for FREE on Saturday, February 27. {Retail value: $35}

So get out your putters and get ready for some fun and very unique golfing in downtown.

To enter, simply leave a comment here, with a valid email address.

For a second entry, tweet about the contest, leaving a comment with the tweet.

Contest ends Wednesday February 17th at 5pm CST and winner will be announced Thursday February 18th!

Thanks to the gals at Nemer Feiger for the opportunity for the giveaway.

If you're interested in buying tickets to the event any of the other dates/times please visit the Skyway Open website.

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Updated 2/18: The winner is comment #9: The Fritz Facts

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com/

Verizon/JuiceBox Jungle: My Cell Phone.

2010-02-09T19:58:00.003-06:00

A couple weekends ago, in an unsupervised moment, little miss E dropped my phone in the toilet.

I wasn't really sure how to react because obviously she's a baby and didn't know better. (Or did she?)

It was just a regular old phone that was good for calling people and texting people and taking pictures when it would take just too long to grab the camera.

While I'd only had the phone six months or so I'd finally memorized the placement of the keys and I could seamlessly send a note or take a picture. I had the rhythm down pat.

Once we found out my phone was a complete loss just sitting in a bag of dry rice looking like death, I started my online search.

I started thinking maybe this was a sign that I needed an upgrade. Something fancy. Where I can email and blog and schedule and all that jazz while I'm driving or eating or whatever.

So far, I've still got my old, old, old phone. The one that takes about 10 minutes to send a three word text. And believe me, it stinks, it really does.

But, it's what I've got for now and when I get a new phone, whether it's a smart schedule keeping, email sending phone or a regular phone, I'll be happy.

This post was sponsored by Verizon and JuiceBox Jungle.

Visit my blog: http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato.

2010-02-04T20:26:00.008-06:00

Do you like tomatoes?

How about Red Gold Tomatoes?

When I walked in with this big, stinking can of what promised to be chock full of tomato goodness a few weeks back after the Minnesota Bloggers Event, my husband was ecstatic!

Tomatoes for pasta, tomatoes for salsa, tomatoes for some of the dishes in the cookbook.

Yum-O! I'm pretty sure that's what he was thinking though I've never quite heard that word come out of his mouth!

For the record, the cookbook was confiscated within an hour of being home. He's been studying recipes/dishes he'd like to try.

So when Red Gold contacted me about doing a giveaway, knowing how happy this could make some other tomato lovers, there was no way I could say no.

Here's your chance to win:
*A gigantic can. {This is so fun!}
*A few samples of Red Gold Tomatoes varieties.
*Your own, award winning cookbook with a variety of recipes.
*A Limited Edition Collectible Die Cast Replica Truck. {These are super fun and very valuable!}
*A few other surprises from Red Gold!

To win, leave a comment sharing what your favorite food with tomatoes is.

For extra entries: Become a follower of my blog OR Link to the contest on twitter. {Leave a comment for each entry}

Contest ends Monday, February 15 at 8:00am and will be chosen at random.

{United States addresses only as Red Gold will be shipping this very large prize directly to you.}

This was a post sponsored by Red Gold.

Visit my blog @ http://www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

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February 15, 2010: And the winner is: Stacy R. (Random.org chose comment #7)

Kodak/Juice Box Jungle Ask....

2010-02-01T19:07:00.003-06:00

What Would I Do With An Extra $100....????

I finished up our taxes last night and uff-da were we close to having to pay in. We basically broke even. Which is a good thing.

But I was so bummed. I had dreams for our refund. The ways I could have spent a good wad of cash, you don't even want to know.

So, when I was asked if someone handed me an extra $100 next month no strings attached. I decided I would definitely use it for me.

Most often it seems when there are extras to be bought they go straight to the kids. I can't be alone here.

New outfits. Gifts to save for birthdays or Christmas or the like. Actitivies. School fees.

My husband gave me a gift certificate for Christmas to get my hair done so I'd probably skip out on the salon. (And I'm not quite one for facials or massages.)

Rather I'm thinking I could hit the mall. Alone.
Maybe some of that hundred would pay for a babysitter so I could go on a random weekday morning.

And try things on. One at a time. And look in the mirror. And find new things I like that fit my post second baby just right.

That $100 could be not only a gift of money but a gift of having time to myself to try things on, enjoy my coffee while it's still hot and maybe even peruse one of the three books I have sitting on my nightstand.

Or maybe I'd head to my favorite look-at store.
Anthropologie.

I just love that store. The scent that overwhelms me from the moment I walk through the door, to the relaxing ambiance.

$100 wouldn't get me far but it'd buy me a few luxuries I've coveted from time to time.

Ahh, a girl can dream, can't she?

Where would you spend your $100?

This post was co-sponsored by JuiceBoxJungle and Kodak, who claims in some of their ads on my sidebar that you could maybe save a few $$ with your printer.

Visit my blog @ www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

V8 V-Fusion! Win $100 Visa Gift Card Here!!!

2010-01-11T19:59:00.009-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and V8.

When I hear V8, I think of tomato juice or maybe, maybe a Bloody Mary. (Though I’m not a big fan of those either.) So when V8/BlogHer contacted me about sending me some of their juice for my family to try out I was a little nervous about how that’d go.

Thankfully, we were pleasantly surprised.

We tried the new V8 line of V8 V-Fusion juices. And we were impressed.

We sampled three different flavors and hands down the favorite around here was the Strawberry Banana, perhaps because those are the flavors we are most accustomed to.

The other two we tried were delish as well, Pomegranate Blueberry and Cranberry Blackberry. Yum-O!

The interesting things I learned about these new juices are for starters, one 8 ounce serving of the juice provides a full serving of fruit AND vegetables. I rarely worry if our kids are getting enough fruits, but veggies are often on my mind (and my list of worries and guilts) Knowing that they would get an entire serving from a glass of juice that they actually enjoy is really nice!

I have at times shied away from the amount of sugar we give the kids especially in beverages so was pleased to read that the juice is 100% juice and there are no added sugars.

Finally, we tried both a 48 ounce bottle of one flavor and then 2- 8 ounce cans of the other flavors. The cans would be perfect for throwing in a lunchbox or grabbing on our way out the door to baseball, soccer, swimming (or whatever else our family has going on that day). They will also soon be sold in schools. A much healthier option versus the typical bottle of fruit juice or power/energy drink.

So, now for the goods, V8 is giving away eight $100 Visa gift cards and one of those cards is going to be given away to one of my readers. To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me what your favorite variety of V8 V-Fusion is? Or if you haven’t tried it yet, which would you be most excited to try? You can also leave a link to a post on your own blog about the contest in the comments below. The contest will begin 1/12/10 and will end 2/9/10. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.

Rules:

· No duplicate comments.

· You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.

· You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.

· This giveaway is open to US-Residents aged 18 and older

· Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.

· You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

· Please see the official rules here: Official rules

To read the other reviews and enter in their contests, please go to the BlogHer.com special offers page

Learn more about V8 V-Fusion and get a $1 off coupon!

Good Luck!

Visit my blog @ www.simplicityinthesuburbs.com

February 9, 2010:

AND THE WINNER IS: Comment #241.
Jillyrh

Jill, please email me back within 48 hours or I will have to have another winner chosen.

Sesame Street Live!!!

2010-01-10T20:32:00.000-06:00

Click on the above picture and use the code: COOKIE when booking tickets for $3 off each ticket you purchase. The code is not valid on $36 tickets or on opening night.

123 Imagine with Elmo and Friends will be playing at the Target Center in Minnesota from January 13-17!