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Tag: giveaway

Motor Oil Matters with MOM

*This is a sponsored post on behalf of Motor Oil Matters. The Motor Oil Matters Information and Gift Cards have been provided by Motor Oil Matters. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Last year I set a goal to learn how to change a car tire. Sadly I still have not taken the time to learn how to change a tire. Car maintenance is so important though, and learning how to maintain your car before an accidents happen could possibly save your life, and will definitely save you money.

AAA expects between the major summer holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day to aid over eight million motorists, and cautions drivers that auto maintenance is key to avoiding summertime travel breakdowns. Ensuring quality motor oil in your car is one way to prevent road trip problems.

Alright, who here has ever taken care of their own car maintenance? Do you leave it up to your spouse, or perhaps even the car dealership? In the past I have always left car stuff to Mark. With the possibility of Mark being gone working while I’m home packing to move, car maintenance has become a little more important to me, but also a little intimidating.

Motor Oil Matters, or MOM, a new consumer education and industry watchdog program by the American Petroleum Institute, has been established to stress the benefits of quality licensed motor oils and call on to the carpet those who engage in deceptive practices.

I was so excited when MOM contacted me to help get the word out about their program. With their handy checklist, and list of MOM-licensed oil change locations, women and even men no longer need to feel intimidated when getting our cars maintenance done. Print out this fun checklist to take with you to your next oil change!

Who’s up for a deal? Why wouldn’t you trust your licensed oil change location to put the right stuff in your car?

Service-locators can be quick to offer discounted services to people who are looking to reduce their automotive maintenance costs. Make sure your service provider is pouring quality motor oil into your car before you decide on a cheaper deal.

I know I’m always looking for ways to save money, but when it comes to car maintenance, I rely on that vehicle to keep my family safe while traveling around the country. Just like I wouldn’t feed my kids candy for breakfast lunch and dinner, your car needs “good food” to keep it going. So just make sure that that deal your eyeing, is something your car will like as well.

Giveaway!

MOM has been kind enough to offer one of my readers a $50 gift card to go get their oil changed! Can I get a Thank You! for this wonderful program looking out for us? Just like my Mom, always keeping us safe.

To enter to win just fill out the Rafflecopter.

*This giveaway is open to US residents only*

All entries will be verified

Check back next week for a recounting as I go solo to get our car’s oil changed.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 16, 2013
Try New Foster Farms Oven Ready Entree’s #Giveaway

I was sent a complimentary VIP coupon to try Foster Farms new Oven Ready Entree’s. Unfortunately for me, because I live a good distance from any good grocer, I have been unable to find the Foster Farms Oven Ready Entree’s. It was a sad day for me as Mark called me from each store he stopped in to tell me they didn’t carry Foster Farms. I know I’ve bought the brand before, but it must have been before we moved to small town USA.

So stay tuned, because next time I visit my mom I’ll be picking up some Foster Farms Oven Ready Entrees, and then telling you all about them! In the meantime though, Foster Farms would like to send 5 of you your very own VIP coupon to try out their Oven Ready Entree’s. With 4 very different and distinct flavors, I’m sure you’ll find one you love.

As an FYI, Foster Farms is only available in the US West from Colorado to Hawaii. However, even then, if you don’t live near any major retailers (like I do), it may be hard to find.

GIVEAWAY

Enter on the Rafflecopter below. 5 Winners will be chosen at the end of the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 14, 2013
Motherhood Matters {Book Review}

Tour Schedule

About the Book

Motherhood is a divine calling—but it may not always feel that way. Now you can show the women in your life how much they matter to you, with this delightful and heartwarming volume of wit and wisdom about the divinity, reality, and rewards of motherhood. Fresher than flowers and sweeter than chocolate, it’s a perfect gift for the women who give so much.

In these hectic days where life’s demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL “Motherhood Matters.” She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

CONNECT
Website * Facebook

My Thoughts

Mothers Day is coming! Are you ready for it? Have you found that perfect gift to tell Mom how much you truly appreciate her?

I received an e-copy of Motherhood Matters by Connie Sokol in order to share my review here. True to any good small inspirational book, Motherhood Matters is full of inspiring tales and words of wisdom. I was expecting to feel a nice little uplifting as I read this book, but I got so much more. I was reminded that what I do as a Mom does matter, and it matters so much more than I often give myself credit for. Connie helped show how even on those not so good days, we can still find joy and hope in the journey.

May 7, 2013
Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop

I have so many books. SOOO many books! I also have a very hard time getting rid of books. Thankfully I have been able to receive many books for review that I may never have otherwise picked up. I have found so many good books this way, but have also read some that I didn’t particularly care for. Then there are some that I read, enjoyed, but don’t feel the need to hand onto any longer.

I look forward to this hop hosted by Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer since it gives me the chance to clear some space, and you the chance to win some books! Right now, I need all the space I can get too. We only have 2 bookshelves, since the rest broke in our move. I have yet to get around to replacing them, and well – I have 18 boxes of books just hanging out in my basement. Not how I like to see my books. So I’m clearing my shelf, so I can pull a few more out. Isn’t that nice of me?

Did I get a little winded there? So sorry. Here is what ONE lucky reader will win from moi

The Freedman and the Pharaoh’s Staff

by Layne Heymont

This is a review copy I was sent for free. I wanted to bad to delve into this book, but emotionally I couldn’t. It is strong from 2 very opposing sides. I hope whoever wins will be able to enjoy the historical content in this book, and see the view the author was trying to display in so dramatic a work.

GPS Your Best Life

by Charmane Hammond & Debra Kasowski

I enjoyed this book. I felt like I gained some insight into how I want my life to turn out, and what I need to do to go there. Now it’s time for someone else to map their best life!

ec·o·nom·ics: a simple twist on normalcy

by Kersten L. Kelly

I read this book about a year ago. It was a very interesting read, and helps bring economics into your daily life, on a level most people can actually understand. Read my full review.

Racing from Death: A Nikki Latrelle Racing Mystery

by Sasscer Hill

I enjoyed the premise of this novel, but there was just too much horse racing talk I didn’t get, and romance and drugs for me to enjoy.

The Lake House
by Marci Nault
I want to like this book so bad! Review will be on the blog early next week, but here’s a quick inside view – New England Lake House, living around friends and family, love and heartache.
I’m giving this book up, because the love border lined on the not my kind of reading side. Which is too bad, because if it was just a bit cleaner, I would’ve loved this book so much.

The Path of the Fallen
by Dan O’Brien
This is a BIG BOOK! Just so you know. But a fun YA novel that explores another version on life, death and the beyond. Read my full review.

Roost
by Jasmine Winterson
This tale was just too unbelievable for me, and since it was set in modern day America, it made it that much harder to connect and believe I was in the story. Read my review.

THAT IS NOT ALL THOUGH! The winner will also receive my very last Home Maid Simple branded Book Bag: sporting Home Maid Simple’s button and the phrase “Turning Your House Into A Home”

OPEN to US and CAN residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May 7, 2013
Remodeling with Pfister Faucets {Giveaway}

I’ve mentioned a little on here, and some on my Facebook page that we are remodeling our bathroom. It started out as a small idea –

Get rid of the Walk-In Tub

(although I had 5 good reasons to keep that tub!)

Upon buying our new house, our realtor asked if we would sell the walk-in to her. She would take care of the removal and purchasing our new tub. That was the easy part. Mark and I like to dream with our homes. We truly love making a house into a home, and that includes making the layout fit (a reason buying new wouldn’t be such a bad idea). Ideas began to flow, plans were made, and walls started to come down. Remodeling is very exciting, but I’m also learning I’m not as handy as I wish were. In our current stage, I can’t do anything – it’s electrical work. Mark does that.

What I have been doing though, is design planning! I’ve already bought new towels for just Mark and I (the other ones are 7 years old, gasp!), and started looking at fixtures. The one thing that we took the longest to decide on, but are the most happy with, are our new faucets. Since we gutted the whole bathroom, we’ve been able to completely customize the fixtures to our style.

Before I show you the faucets we’re installing, let me show you a little of the reno plans.

OK, this isn’t quite accurate. We’ve made some more changes since this plan was drawn. But just take a look at the master bath. It use to be the only upstairs bathroom, and only have a tub. We are adding the walk-in shower, and turning the doorway to open straight into the master bedroom. I am so stoked about this little retreat we are creating!

We of course wanted to make sure we got quality faucets, and when I think faucets, I think Pfister. Top of the line quality! We are installing the Kenzo line into our shower. Isn’t it sleek?

Pfister has been an absolute pleasure to work with and has sent us all the components needed to make sure it is installed correctly, along with extras like the towel bar and tissue holder. I really can’t say enough good about the experience I’ve had working with Pfister.

So let me just share the experience with one of you! One lucky reader will be receiving their choice of Pfister faucet (up to a $400 value)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

April 30, 2013
Springtime Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Springtime Giveaway Hop

hosted by Weidknecht.com

I can’t believe I’m late getting this post up! I’ve been pretty excited to share this giveaway with you! See over the last year, I’ve slowly collected items from events, reviews, and free samples that I was getting a little overwhelmed. I knew I needed to do a giveaway, but wasn’t sure when to do it. While Spring cleaning the last few weeks, I realized right now is the best time. So of course I joined a hop, so you can keep hopping around and enter a bunch more giveaways as well.

What do I have for you? Well let’s take a peek shall we?

I kid you not! This is no April Fools joke. One very lucky reader will win

– Bratz Cloe Fashion Boutique

– Bratz for Nintendo 3DS

– 2 packages of Deo Perfume Candy

– 3 Toothbands

– Tidy Tots, toilet training seat liners

– All Beach Ball

– Game Rating Foam Dice

– 2 Pine Bros cough drops

– Coupons for toddler formula

– and other product info and swag items.

Of course you’ll get to keep the Home Maid Simple Tote as well

Now to the nitty gritty details:

Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter. This giveaway is open to US and CA.

All entries will be verified, so please make sure you did them before claiming.

This giveaway will end at11:59PM on April 7, 2013.

Don’t forget to hop on to the other bloggers for more giveaways! Linky is found under the rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

April 2, 2013
Going Green with Conscious Box {Giveaway}

Have you seen this subscription box services? I’m sure they’ve been around for awhile, but I seem to just be learning about them all. I love that you can have new products delivered to your door to try out before buying full size products.

This especially holds true with all natural earth friendly products. I grew up using chemicals for cleaning, and eating processed foods – as I feel most of my generation did. We also seem to be the generation pushing for more natural and earth friendly products. My mom always taught me to be a good steward of the earth, and we often went on trash picking duty around our block. We also canned a lot of our own fruits and veggies, despite the many processed foods we ate. My problem presents itself when I want to buy an all natural product –

What if it doesn’t clean as good?

What if the taste is bland?

What if it’s too expensive, and then I find I don’t like it?

It’s hard breaking out of habits, and trying something new, especially when many families are struggling financially. This is where Conscious Box can help! Each month they put together a new Conscious Box full of products from Health and Beauty, to Food and Home. Try all natural cleaning products, healthy snacks, and natural energy boosters. A low monthly cost, and you get to try a myriad of products to see what does and doesn’t work for you. On top of it all, they have Gluten Free and Vegan Boxes to choose from as well.

Save 25% OFF any Subscription

Right now my readers can receive 25% off any subscription to Conscious Box with Code: LOVELIFE

WIN IT!

One lucky Home Maid Simple can win a 3 Month Subscription to Conscious Box.

Enter on Rafflecopter below

Open to US residents only. All entries will be verified. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize, or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is a sponsored post. I have received a conscious box in exchange for posting this giveaway. All thoughts and opinions remain 100% my own and honest thoughts. I try to bring my readers products I believe in and would recommend to friends and family.

March 27, 2013
Spring Cleaning Challenge {Giveaway}

It’s that time of year – birds singing, flowers blooming, snow melting (hopefully), and sun shining!

The time of year we dust out our homes and open up the windows for some fresh, non-freezing air.

I love this time of year. Spring is easily my favorite season (autumn is a close second). You may call me odd for this next tidbit I’m going to tell you, but here goes – I love spring cleaning. I truly do. In fact I have some very fond memories of spring cleaning as a kid. My mom always made it fun. I hope I can do the same with my kids.

What are the benefits of Spring Cleaning?

Well first of all, after being cooped up in the house all winter, spring cleaning allows you to bring the sunshine and joy back inside. Spring cleaning gives you the opportunity to deep clean on a level you normally wouldn’t, which really can be rewarding at the end.

If you’re a normal family, you’ve probably been dealing with a lot of sicknesses that seem to accompany winter – colds and flu specifically. With the end of winter, you don’t want to carry those germs into the rest of the year, so spring cleaning helps get them out!

For me, and maybe some others, the satisfaction of a good deep down cleaning, is enough of a mental boost to have something so seemingly daunting be accomplished. As mothers it seems most of our chores are never truly done. Spring cleaning can be! (perhaps this is why I enjoy shoveling snow).

I put together a fun little printable Checklist for you. Print it off, hang it up, and get to work!

Each ladybug represent a new day of cleaning. I do not suggest trying to spring clean all in one day – there’s just too much to do it efficiently. The idea of spring cleaning, is to get down in the places you don’t normally clean (think – behind the refrigerator), to de-clutter and get rid of un-needed items, and to deep clean areas that usually only receive a surface cleaning.

Every day this week I’ll share a list specific to that day’s cleaning. Before we jump into it though – pick a reward. Right now, decide, what are you working towards? Or perhaps, what are your kids going to work for? That’s how my mom always did it at least. We got to pick a special treat, if we really worked hard with her all week long. It was a great motivator.

Will you be joining us for Spring Cleaning?

WIN IT!
A big thanks to our sponsor, Affresh. They are offering one lucky reader the entire line of Affresh Cleaners.

+ Dishwasher Cleaner

+ Washer Cleaner

+ Stainless Steel Cleaner

+ Stainless Steel Wipes

+ Kitchen and Appliance Cleaner

+ Cooktop Cleaner

Come back each day for a new Spring Cleaning checklist, and gain more entries into the giveaway!

*Giveaway open to US and Canada residents only. Enter using the Rafflecopter form. All entries will be verified. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or forfeit prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 18, 2013
Valentines Gift Basket {Giveaway}

Time sure does fly by! I keep seeing pins everywhere for Valentines Day, and some of my favorite bloggers have been posting Valentines Day Craft Ideas, Printable Cards, and Treats. Then I looked at the Calendar.

Yup, only 3 weeks until Valentines Day (which also means 3 weeks until I have a 5 year old). So, what to do for Valentines Day? My first stop was to get some “cards” for Princess V’s class. They really push reading here, so I thought these Owl bookmarks from Living Locurto were perfect

(FYI, go to her website, and these are FREE to print out! Plus many more!)

Of course we needed to find a good treat to celebrate the day too. I like to start the morning with heart shaped pancakes or French Toast, and some Strawberry syrup. With strawberries and raspberries on the side. Later in the day this Valentine Popcorn Munch would make a sweet treat

For more Valentines Day Ideas, visit my Pinterest Board.

Are you ready to share the love? Holiday Gifts and Baskets is giving away one of their Valentines Day Gift Baskets valued up to $60. Pretty Sweet, right? Look what you have to choose from –

Option 1 – Deluxe Fruit and Sweets

Option 2 – Monkey Business Kids

Option 3 – Sweet Treat

Option 4 – Fields of Lavender Spa

Entering is really simple! Just read the rules, and then follow the Rafflecopter form.

Giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ (48contiguous states, sorry Alaska and Hawaii). Entries close February 7th at midnight. Winner is chosen randomly and will be given 3 days to respond via email before a new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 28, 2013
January Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

20 Amazing Authors plus more than 100 of the Best Bloggers have joined together to bring you 1 Amazing Giveaway!

The winner will have the option of receiving a Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

This giveaway is sponsored by these Awesome Authors:

The Essence by Kimberly Derting
Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out by Pandora Poikilos
Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes
Hunted by Ednah Walters
Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders
I Was Here – Before You Came by Camelia Miron Skiba
Everlost by Brenda Pandos
Blood Oath by T.L. Clarke
Reaper’s Novice by Cecilia Robert
Bulletproof by Jeff LaFerney
Lancaster House by Taylor Dean
Two Halves by Marta Szemik
Murder on Potrero Hill by M.L. Hamilton
Bellyache by Crystal Marcos
Kill Shot by Anne Patrick
Skid Out by Ann Marie Frohoff
Between by Mary Ting
Dragon Stones Saga by Kristian Alva
Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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January 12, 2013