Happy Friday Follow!

Hi everyone and Happy Friday Follow!

Can you believe its April 30th already? I honestly can't! In my head it should still be February, not just about to be swelteringly miserable outside!

I feel like I am coming along pretty well with this blog, since it has only been a little more than a month. I have some great new giveaways posted and a couple more that will be up this weekend so please check them out! My goal is to make it to 100+ followers by then end of the weekend :)

I have to send a giant Thank You to the ladies hosting this wonderful Friday Follow, One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!!

Here is how you too can be part of the Friday Follow:

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:
--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
--Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.
--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.
--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow

CSN Stores Giveaway!

I recently contacted CSN Stores asking if they would be interested in doing a giveaway for my readers! Imagine my surprise when they not only said yes, but offered a $40 gift certificate for the winner! Woot!

So, you haven't heard of CSN Stores? Really?! Wow! You have to check them out. There are over 200+ stores all in one convenient website, with everything from school supplies to generators! I didn't know where to start looking so I thought,  we have been looking at  entertainment centers so let's see what they have!

I think I am in love, check this bad boy out:
I can hear the hubby now, it's too big blah blah blah
I don't care! Look at those side cupboards with lights! All the little shelves!

Okay, I suppose I need to be a little more realistic as our living room IS small, so I looked for some smaller entertainment centers found this lovely little guy, on rolling casters at a super price, again with free shipping!

Of course I also found a gorgeous light fixture to replace the one that broke in my computer room!


CSN stores have everything you could want....the only problem being trying to decide what you want! As soon as I found one thing, I also found 3 more!!

But you don't have to take my word for it:

WIN IT:

As I said earlier, I have been permitted to offer one lucky Carrie's Rambles reader a $40 gift certificate to CSN Stores!

*Mandatory* entry, must be completed in order for bonus entries to count! Head on over to CSN Stores and tell me what your favorite item is!

Bonus Entries

1. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect (right side of page) 2 entries

2. "Like" Carrie's Rambles on Facebook and share this giveaway on your wall. Leave me the link. 1 entry to like, 2 additional entries for sharing!

3. "Like" CSN Stores on Facebook 1 entry

4. Follow Carrie's Rambles on twitter and tweet up to 3x per day. 1 entry each

You may use this sample tweet if you like:

$40 CSN Stores Gift Certificate Giveaway 

http://bit.ly/bjiSEl #giveaway @yorkiemomma Ends 5/13

5. Follow CSN Stores on twitter 1 entry

6. Sign up to get my emails. 1 entry

7. Add my button to your blog and link back here. 2 entries

8. Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link. 5 entries

9. Enter any of my other giveaways 1 entry each

Giveaway ends Thursday May 13 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. Contest open to all residents over 18 in USA or CA.

I did not receive any compensation in order to host this giveaway. I contacted CSN stores, they did not solicit me. All opinions on merchandise listed were my own opinions and I was not asked to write about any item specifically.

Just wanted to post a brief note to say I'm sorry for not being a very prolific blogger the last couple days, I've been leaving the house at 7 a.m. And not getting home til after 7 at night! Hang in there with me though! I've got some great new reviews I'm working on, CSN stores, Tropical Traditions, Eden, Moochie&Co, 7th Generation and Yo-yo lipgloss are just a few!!

Wordless Wednesday

(no small dogs were actually harmed to make this photograph :P )

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce Review & Giveaway Ends 5/8

I contacted Country Bob's asking if they would be interested in sponsoring a review and giveaway for my blog and was thrilled to hear back from Al almost immediately! You see, the hubby is a chef by trade and kept asking me when HE was going to get to test something!
I really like the "feel" of this company. It all started with Country Bob perfecting his sauce back in 1968 and after years of passing it out to friends and family he started selling it in 1977 and became a company in 1982. Can you imagine my shock when I realized that the Al that responded to my email is actually one of the four people that formed a corporation with Country Bob in 1982?!!

They don't even take credit for their success!

"It would be nice if we could claim responsibility for the success of the company, however, credit must be given where credit is due. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." We have placed true ownership of Country Bob, Inc. in the hands of God. "Christ is our CEO" and  He is an Awesome Boss!" 

I let the hubby decide what he would cook on his day off (while I was slaving at work) and came home to a shishkabob dinner. Here I had thought ribs, but this was way better because he used chicken, pork and beef along with veggies and we got to try the sauce on 3 different meats! 

He marinated, baked on a low temp for a couple of hours and drizzled a little more on top before serving.

Oh. My. Goodness. Country Bob you are amazing. I love this all purpose sauce and wouldn't use A1 again if you paid me. (My fave was the chicken, I think it soaked up the flavor of the sauce wonderfully)

Country Bob's is not a super strong overpowering taste, it's more of an accent to the food. A little smokey, a little bit sweet, with a tomato background.  A Perfect blend! I can think of numerous things we will be cooking with this in the future and am definitely going to be trying some of his other products like Seasoning Salt and Barbeque Sauce. Not to mention that Fathers Day will be here before you know it and Country Bob's has a great Cookbook and Giftpack  for  only $32.00

BUY IT 

You can purchase Country Bob's at a store near you, as a matter of a fact you can print a coupon for a free bottle! If you do not have a store near you, you can order it online HERE and shipping is included. Half a case (6 bottles) including shipping is only $19! That's a great deal!

WIN IT

Al at Country Bob's has graciously agreed to give 2 winners EACH 2 bottles of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce! Thanks Al!!

*Mandatory* Entry (must be completed for any bonus entries to count) Visit Country Bob's and tell me which item you would most like to try.

Bonus Entries

1. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect (right hand side of page)(2 entries)

2. "Like" Country Bob's on Facebook and post a comment to let them know I sent you (1 entry)

3. "Like" Carrie's Rambles on Facebook and share with your friends (1 entry for Liking 2 entries for sharing)post the link here for me.

4. Follow Country Bob's on Twitter (1 entry)

5. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Twitter and tweet this giveaway.  Can be done 3x per day for 1 entry each.  Feel free to use this sample tweet

2-2 Bottle Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce Giveaway/ 2 winners Ends 5/8

http://bit.ly/aOKONv #giveaway @yorkiemomma

6. Grab my button and leave the link here (3 entries)

7. Blog about this post and leave the link here (5 entries)

Giveaway ends on May 8, 2010 on 11:59 pm EST.  Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave me your email address if it's not attached to your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck! US only.

I recieved 2 bottles of Country Bob's All Purpose sauce in order to review the product. No other compensation was offered and I am under no obligation to write a "good" review. All opinions are my own honest opinion. Other consumers may have different opinions.

 

PicPocket Books, Review & Giveaway

Recently, I was contacted by Lynette from PicPocket Books asking if I would be interested in doing a review for them. I headed on over and checked out the site and then told her YES! I don't have little ones of my own, but I do have a 10 year old niece and friends with children, so I felt I would be able to do a good job for her!

PicPocket Books offer a selection of favorite children's books that can be downloaded to your IPhone or Ipod touch. Children are able to look, listen, touch and learn with these unique apps!

"Now kids can enjoy their favorite books from your iPhone! Forget the playstations, game consoles and DVDs, our mobile picture books will entertain and educate your child in the car, plane, train and more."

I was able to download a selection of three stories and two math apps (they are partnering with a developer who creates math apps). I'm not sure what I really expected but I was pleasantly surprised. A.R. (my niece) and I really enjoyed the stories, particularly Breezy Bunnies and Papa Gatto! While they were a little young for her, she still enjoyed reading them once I figured out that you can adjust the settings. For the younger children, the books read aloud the story, highlighting each word in red as it is spoken, helping them learn by association and auto turning the pages as needed. I discovered I could turn all those settings off and AR could read the story on her own, peruse the pictures and then turn the pages when she was ready! Definitely something she enjoyed, and let me tell you, the artwork for Papa Gatto is amazing, the colors are so vibrant! Breezy Bunnies was a sweet story and Oh, Crumps! a little humorous. All of them had clear graphics, no freezing and were a joy to read! We all know the kids can't wait to get their hands on your IPhone or Ipod, and here is an app they can use! I think these would be GREAT for car trips!

Next up were the math apps and they were right at her age level (4th grade) I received Kids Math Fun and Kids Fraction Fun. The Kids Math Fun has addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The Kids Fraction Fun has fractions, percentages, decimals and you can choose +, - or x as the setting. Both games allow you to go through at your own speed or choose whether you want Minute Math, Double Dare, Try Again or Show Scores. I have to admit I played on them quite a bit with the timed mode on, trying to beat my own score! The Try Again mode is great because if they get it wrong, they can figure out what they did wrong and get a second chance! Besides, math has to be more interesting on Mom or Dads Iphone/Ipod than a boring piece of paper or flashcard! Right?!

BUY IT

To purchase any of these apps simply go to the Itunes App store and type PicPocket Books in the search. Apps are available from $.99 to $3.99 with a variety ranging from Earth movers to Sleeping Beauty!

WIN IT

Lynette and PicPocket Books have graciously agreed to award one of my lucky readers 3 PicPocket Book titles of your choice from their selection AND 2 Kids Math Fun Apps!

*Mandatory* entry. Must be completed first or all bonus entries will be discarded. Go to PicPocket Books and tell me a title you would like to have.

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect (right hand side of page) (1 entry)

2. Follow Me on Twitter @yorkiemomma and tweet this giveaway. Please include @yorkiemomma in it. You can tweet 3x per day for 1 extra entry each. You can use this tweet if you like:

Win 5 PicPocket Book Apps for your Iphone/Ipod http://bit.ly/ddTvXp 

@yorkiemomma #giveaway Ends 5/7

3. Follow PicPocket Books on twitter (1 entry)

4. "Like" Carrie's Rambles on Facebook. (1 entry)

5. "Like" PicPocket Books on Facebook and let them know I sent you (1 entry)

6. Share this giveaway on your facebook and link back here. (2 entries)

7. Enter any of my other (active) giveaways. Receive 1 extra entry for each giveaway you enter. Leave a separate comment for each.

8. Add my button to your blog and link it's location here. (3 entries)

9. Blog about this giveaway and link back here. (5 entries)



Giveaway ends on May 7th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave me your email address if it's not attached to your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!


I received 5 free app downloads  for review purposes, no other compensation was offered nor was I required to write a "good" review. All opinions are my complete and honest opinion. Other consumers opinions may differ from mine

New Winners!

Happy Monday! 

It's always great to start off the week with some winners, right?

The winner of the Tools of the Trade Kit

Congrats to Tethered Mommy: Maggie!

The winner of the Cover Your Hair Giveaway:

Congrats Kady!

I will be emailing both winners shortly, please respond within 48 hours or another winner will be drawn!

Carrie

Stop Smoking

This is a GREAT deal. I cannot figure out why many insurance companies do not cover Chantix, I mean isn't to their benefit for people to stop smoking? Anyways, follow the link below to print a coupon good for a Free first month starter pack (approx $150 value) or $30 off a refill pack.

 CLICK HERE

Simple Green Review & Giveaway

I had contacted Simple Green about doing a review and giveaway of their products and Denise replied back to me offering to send me some of their Simple Green DOG Pet Stain and Odor Remover. As you can imagine I jumped at the chance! For you cat owners, don't tune out just yet!

"The Simple Green® story began over thirty years ago, long before “environmentally friendly” products were mandated by law. Bruce FaBrizio and his father developed a safer alternative to the toxic cleaners then being used to remove tannic acid, a by product of coffee roasting, from roasting machinary."

I don't know about you, but for me, something about a company that starts "grassroots" like theirs did always impresses me. Getting a blog started, followers found and items to review is hard enough, I cannot imagine the perseverance to start something like Simple Green and take it world wide in 30 years!

Simple green is good for you and good for the enviornment, containing none of the ammonia, bleach, citrus oil extracts or petroleum distillates that many other products do. Simple Green products are biodegradable, non-flammable, non-abrasive, and come in recyclable packaging!

"If your “pet peeve” is pet stains & odors, then you need Simple Green Pet Stain & Odor Remover


Introducing NEW Simple Green Pet Stain & Odor Remover for Dog messes… with Fresh Bond® Odor Eliminating Technology. Non-toxic and biodegradable, Simple Green Pet Stain & Odor Remover is People, Pet & Surface safe! Its supreme formulation outperforms other leading brands and Fresh Bond Technology eliminates odors permanently - no resoiling or remarking"

I hate the fact that no matter what I do, four dogs tend to smell like.....well, four dogs! Accidents do happen and even without accidents, there are four dogs that like to sleep on the sofa or the chair or even just lay in that one particular spot on the rug. I was thrilled to read that you can use this product in a variety of ways, as a spot treatment for those "accidents", or in carpet cleaning machines, or to simply mist on and get out some stinky!
Mine came just in time, we apparently have a little bit of doggy flu going around the house and had a couple of yucky accidents. Since simple green can be used on both finished wood and laminates I cleaned up the "mess" then sprayed with simple green. No stain and no odor! YAY! I also took it immediately into the living room and misted the couch and two recliners, since the weather is getting warmer I tend to notice the smells in that room aren't always "fresh".  There was no splotching of the color and it left behind a wonderful fresh scent that has lasted several days so far! I really do like the scent, and since I can't put a scratch and sniff in this post, I will say it reminds me of that fabric softener scent when clothes come right out of the dryer. I have not tried it as a stain remover, remover because we don't currently have any and I wasn't about to encourage the making of one!
As a odor remover on fabric an upholstery I give it 5 paws! As a spot cleaner on laminate also 5 paws! I can't wait to try some other Simple Green products in the future!

 BUY IT

Simple Green DOG Pet Stain and Odor Remover can be purchased at Petsmart and Petco .

WIN IT

Denise at Simple Green has graciously  agreed to send one of my lucky readers a 32 oz bottle of Simple Green DOG OR CAT Pet Stain and Odor Remover! Winner must be over 18, reside in US and provide actual street address (fed ex does not deliver to PO Boxes)

*Mandatory* Entry. Must be completed or bonus entries will be discarded. Go to Simple Green and tell me something you learned or another product you would like to try and if you would choose DOG or CAT

Bonus entries:

1. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect (right hand side of page) (1 entry)

2. Follow Me on Twitter @yorkiemomma and tweet this giveaway. Please include @yorkiemomma in it. You can tweet 3x per day for 1 extra entry each. You can use this tweet if you like:

Simple Green Review and Giveaway. http://bit.ly/b6Fyi9 ends 5/8

choose Cat or Dog @yorkiemomma #giveaway

3. Fan Carrie's Rambles on Facebook. +1 entry

4. Share this giveaway on your facebook and link back here. (2 entries)

5. Enter any of my other giveaways. Receive 1 extra entry for each giveaway you enter. Leave a separate comment for each.

6. Add my button to your blog and link it's location here. (3 entries)

7. Blog about this giveaway and link back here. (5 entries)



Giveaway ends on May 8th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave me your email address if it's not attached to your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!


I received 2 32 oz bottles of Simple Green Dog pet stain & odor remover for review purposes, no other compensation was offered nor was I required to write a "good" review. All opinions are my complete and honest opinion. Other consumers opinions may differ from mine

Winner Yorkie Splash and Shine

And the winner of the Yorkie Splash and Shine Giveaway is:

Congrats Laurie, you have a set of Yorkie Splash and shine ready to come your way. I do hope you and your little furabies like it as much as we did. Thanks to everyone that entered and thank you to Yorkie Splash and Shine for sponsoring this contest! Laurie, I am sending you an email now, please respond in 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

Carrie

Reading

I love to read. Period. My mom was an avid reader when she had time and she passed that on to me from the time I was a child. I read all the Ramona books, then the Little House books, then the Anne of Green Gables books (and I just recently re-read those as an adult!).
In my teens I read alot of science fiction like the Dragon Riders of Pern by Anne McCaffery and the Heralds of Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey, and yes I have re-read those as an adult too! I can re-read a good book like my husband watches reruns of Law and Order! I went through a brief Stephan King, Dean Koontz type phase. Now, I love to read so many different genres I don't know if I could pick one. I love a good mystery, I love a good historical romance, I love a good vampire novel.
You get the picture, right?
One thing that I doubt I will ever grow out of or get tired of, is a writer that makes me laugh. Out loud. Janet Evanovich is one of those authors. I saw those books when they came out and the covers never drew me in, til one day the book store was having a sale and the woman who worked there recomended them. Since she had seen plenty of me (ha! I might not be able to afford food, but there will always be books) and never turned me wrong before, I took her advice. I am so glad I did. I laughed and laughed. It probably helps a little that a) I was raised Italian and Catholic b) I lived in Jersey for awhile and c) if breast cancer hadn't taken my Grandma I think she might have turned into Grandma Mazur!

The most recent book I read was a fun and easy read, I finished it in a day or so.

There are ghosts, vampires, werewolves, crazy sisters, some truly scary ladies on the Chamber of Commerce, romance and a heck of lot of things that made me giggle. This is the third book in this series so far, but you can pick it up and read it on its own. All in all it was a nice, light read that I enjoyed quite a bit!

I was not provided any items mentioned in this post. All items where purchased with my own money and reviewed for my own pleasure. Others may have different opinions.

Happy Friday Follow 4/23

Hi and thanks for stopping in for the Friday Follow, hosted by One to Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades. This is only my second week and I feel so grateful to be a part of this! I have met some wonderful people since I have started blogging and Friday Follow just gives me a chance to meet more!

I have some great giveaways going on that end tonight and Sunday and all have low entries so feel free to get your name in!

Here is how you can be a part of the Friday Follow:
--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
--Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.
--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.
--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

Whine, B!tch, Moan

Ever just have one of those days? I did today. It started at 7 this morning while I was driving to work. The only other girl who works in the office with me, taking care of all the paperwork, ordering and phones for 3 stores, sent me a text saying she wasn't coming in because she was way to hungover. C'mon, you are 39 years old! You can't wait til the weekend?
Then I was tooling along, thinking I had a good start on everything and would have plenty of time when one of the bosses (we are family owned) walks into my office and tells me he needs 10 pizza's for a new product thing we are hosting. It's 9:30 am and he wants them by 11......um, hello? Most pizza joints around us don't OPEN until 11, so that's really kinda the thing you need to do a day ahead of time....but I call around and find someone answering the phone....then he also needs plates, napkins, pop, cookies or cupcakes, paper cups and chips....and he really needed to be able to invoice this order but couldn't because I didn't recieve the packer yet. That got him THE LOOK! you readers know which one. I got the darn pizzas and everything else. The rest of my day was the normal amount of idiotic, except I got home and think the dogs are passing some kind of dog flu around. Roxi was sick last week and now Spike is shaking like a leaf and looking at me, so we are going to cuddle in our chair and watch Survivor. I just didn't want you to think I was neglecting you.

peace & love...mostly

Wordless Wednesday

Pedigree Dentastix Giveaway

You all know how much I love my doggies and while cruising the sites on Wednesday, I came across LoveMy2Dogs who is doing a review on Pedigree Dentistix and a dental cleaning kit.

Gum disease is something all dogs can suffer from and sadly to say most pet owners don't brush their dogs teeth or even know that they should! Go read LoveMy2Dogs review and then enter the giveaway! 5 winners! and it ending this Sunday.

I entered and am really hoping to I win, so are the four faces staring at me from their respective spots (I mentioned treats, that always gets some attention around here!)

Happy.....

 (since I grabbed the wrong USB cord on the way out the door this morning, I can't upload the spring pictures    I  had for Wordless Weds. darnit! so until I get home later you'll have to settle for this)

 

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

(besides, those are the only flowers I'm going to get today!)

Chunky Bling

I recently entered a contest over at Carie's Coins & Cents and to my surprise, I won! Woot!

I had never heard of Chunky Bling until I read the review she had posted. After reading her review, I was intrigued and entered the contest. The bracelet she reviewed was not really to my taste, but luckily I was allowed to pick my own. I chose the Wild Thing Bracelet Pair because of it's bold colors.

I received my bracelet fairly quickly and it was packaged carefully in bubble wrap and then wrapped in matching purple tissue. I love it! The colors are bold and shiny and all of the pieces are solid, nothing flimsy, hollow or fake! The two bracelets are attached by a shimmery black ribbon that can be removed, so I can wear a bracelet on each arm, two loose on one arm or even just one bracelet. Depending on your line of work, they could be worn to the office, I keyboard all day so it would drive me nuts because they are chunky! However they are great for a night out, dinner, a movie date or even just a casual outing! I would really, really love to get one of the rings or necklaces from Chunky Bling! That is something I would be able to wear daily!

My new Canopy Pillow from Walmart

I go through pillows like papertowels (and wow that isn't very "green" is it?). I buy the $8 pillow that says it has extra support etc etc. In a month or two I manage to turn it into a wadded up ball of fabric. Then I start getting headaches and neckaches. For the last couple of weeks I have been waking up in the middle of the night and taking asprin because my neck and head hurt so badly.

I was at Walmart yesterday and had another $8 pillow in the cart when I saw the memory foam stuff. I looked and read and looked and finally put one in the cart that was $29.96 and then dialed 911 from my cell because I thought a heartattck was imminent (just kidding...sort of)

Scary looking isn't it? Let me tell ya, I had my doubts about falling asleep on it. I can't fall asleep unless I am on my side, yet I wake up every which way, back stomach, side, you name it. It was a little wierd at first because I can't scrunch it up and mutilate it like my other pillows, but it is amazingly soft and firm and the same time. You think you would feel those giant looking pegs, but again you don't, they kinda compress so you don't notice them, while still leaving air circulate. This morning, for the first time in I don't know how long, I woke up and my neck didn't hurt....not one tiny bit....and the pillow went back to it's original shape! I am very glad now that I purchased it! Even better is that it is hypoallergenic, and I have severe allergies. Best yet, made in the USA!! Now, if only I could get the mattress topper to go with it, but I am to scared to look at that price tag!

Canopy Smart Zone Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow

"Canopy Smart-Zone Memory foam pillow equalizes pressure and reduces tension. Channel ventilation provides extra coolness. The Smart-Zone pillow has soothing modules place special emphasis on support for your head and shoulders resulting in a peaceful night's sleep. Side and back sleepers benefit from the flexible inner foam zones that gently and evenly cradle the head, while the stable edge zone supports neck and shoulders.

Enhance your sleep
•Stomach sleepers benefit from the three zones of weight sensitive foam that dissipate pressure across the head, neck and torso
•Channel ventilation provides extra coolness
•Visco elastic memory foam equalizes pressure and reduces tension
•Hypoallergenic
•Removable zippered velour cover, washable cotton/polyester
•Made in the USA"

I purchased this item, I did not recieve any compensation or product for my review. All opinions are mine and mine alone, opinions of other consumers may vary. Product infromation is quoted directly from the Walmart website

Love to be naughty!

One of my favorite ladies, Jana at Boobies, Babies & a Blog is having a giveaway just for us grown ups!

I have to admit I do love the naughty giveaways and this is naughty because it's from AdultSexToys.com but it is also nice because it is a trio of items for the organic line! Foaming Bath Fresh Orange and Wild Ginger, a Massage Balm Cocoabean and Goji Berry, and a Foot Foreplay Lotion Sensual, how relaxing and yummy does that sound!

So be sure to go and check out the Mommies need toys too! Giveaway! 

I'm there and entered!

Cover Your Hair, Review and Giveaway Ends 4/25

I was very excited when Devora at Cover Your Hair agreed to sponsor a review and giveaway for my blog!
Cover Your Hair carries a wide variety of products, from Headbands and Hair Clips to Belts  and Shawls.
Everything is reasonably priced with specials and sales weekly!  They even have a great section with "How to" videos!

As I have long hair, but hate having it hanging in my face when I am trying to do something, I am always on the lookout for something fun, yet convenient. I have always been a big fan of bandanas, sometimes using them as headbands, sometimes doing the whole head cover up. So I was thrilled that I was sent a Paisley Wide Pre Tied Headband, in my favorite color of blue!
I love the fact that the elastic is covered with the same material, so it looks like it is all one piece. I have tied bandanas in my hair as headbands before and hated that I always got hairs stuck in the knot, it's great that this just slides right on and I don't rip any hair out! It also stays put nicely, no slipping and sliding!

 Several other items I would love to have include:

Buy it:

You can purchase the same Paisley Pre Tied Bandana that I received for $11.99 or browse the site and pick out something that fits your style by going to Cover Your Hair

If you don't feel comfortable ordering online, they even have a number you can call and place your order! 1-732-534-5626

Win it:

Cover Your Hair has generously agreed to award one of my lucky readers a free headband.

*Mandatory* Entry. This must be done for all other bonus entries to count. Visit Cover Your Hair  and tell me at least one item you would love to have.

Bonus Entries

1. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect publicaly. (right hand side of page) +1 entry

     2.  Follow Cover Your Hair of Google Friend Connect. Follow link and click "Join this site" in the GFC box + 1 entry

3.  Follow Carrie's Rambles  on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Can be done once daily for one entry each.

You may use this sample tweet:
Win a free headband from Cover Your Hair! Ends4/25
http://bit.ly/9GdfSA @yorkiemomma #giveaway

4.  Fan Carrie's Rambles on Facebook (right hand side of page) +1 entry

5.  Go to http://www.coveryourhair.com/blog/ and click "Follow This Blog" on the Networked Blog box+1 entry

6. Blog about this giveaway and link back here  +3 entries

7.  Grab my button and post the link where I can find it +2 entries

Giveaway ends on April 25, 2010 on 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave me your email address if it's not attached to your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!

I received a headband from Cover Your Hair for review purposes. No other compensation was offered and opinions expressed are mine alone other consumers may have different opinions.

 

Friday Follow!

I am so excited! This is my very first Friday Follow!

I love that I am meeting so many fun new people by blogging and I think this is such a great way to meet more! I can't wait to check out all the blogs on the list!

Have a GREAT Friday Everyone!!

Directions on how YOU can join the Friday Follow:

• * Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops. 
• * Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.
• * Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
• * Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like
• * Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
• * Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow

Slatkin & Co Review

On a recent trip to Bath and Body works I discovered that they were selling a new line (well new to me!) of Odor Eliminating products. Did I mention I have 4 dogs? Yeah? Okay, so you know I was immediatly all over that! I had to sniff them all but the one that really caught me was the Brilliant Citrus Odor Eliminating Fabric Refresher. I have tried all types of Febreeze type products in the past and none really seem to leave a lingering pleasant scent.

According to Bath and Body works website:  

"This energizing blend of bright lemon peel and sweet orange blossom is infused with sparkling bergamot, then layered with fresh lavender, cedarwood and rich vanilla."

 I would have to say that I didn't notice any of those scents, to me it was like a fresh squeezed lemon, or perhaps some really sweet lemonade, maybe fresh lemon cookies. In my opinion it was mainly a strong lemon scent with maybe a hint of vanilla, I didn't notice the other scents at all, but that was not a problem for me as I adored the smell as it was! 
So after my shopping trip, I took it home and sprayed the two recliners in the living room. The spray comes out as a fine mist and dries quickly, leaving no stains or residue and the smell is light and summery without being flowery! As for it lingering? The next day I kept walking through the house and asking myself "what is that smell?" forgetting I had sprayed the chairs. In the Living room. The Day Before!

It is a strong scent so I don't recommend it if you are sensitive to or just plain dislike strong scents. Me, on the other hand, if I am paying good money for something that is supposed to smell good? I want it to last and to smell enough so that someone walking into the house notices. Slatkin & Co. Odor Eliminating Fabric Refresher certainly does that and I will be buying more!

I purchased this17.9 fl oz  bottle for $7.50 at Bath & Body works (naturally it is now on sale for $5.00)

I did not receive any product for doing this review, nor is it in anyway endorsed by Bath & Body Works or Slatkin & Co. I purchased the product with my own money and any opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Misikko Flat Iron Giveaway

You know how earlier I mentioned that crazy curly hair of mine? Well I love love love having it straightened and there isn't much I wouldn't give to win a Misikko Flat Iron !! They appear to be a work of art that could actually tame my unruly curls!
Luckily there is a contest going on, ending today! I so want to win!!!
But I am going to be nice and inlcude the link for you too, since it's only fair!

Check out Money Saving Mama in Michigan  and enter her contest!

Hair Product and Cosmetic Quandry

I often wonder if it is just me or do others have this problem also? You see, I have insanely curly (all natural btw) hair and if I do not put some type of product in (especially since I shower at night before bed and not in the morning before work) I end up looking as if I stuck a fork in an electric socket. Twice.
Regular Gel's work but I don't like the way they make my hair "crunchy". So I like using spray gel, keeps out the frizz but doesn't leave me with cemented locks! EVERY time I finally find a spray gel that I like it either gets taken off the market or a "New and Improved" makeover that I hate. A couple years back it was the Herbal Essences. I adored that spray gel, clearish bottle, slightly yellowish tint, green nozzle....and darn if they didn't re-do it and the new version does nothing for me.

So I went through about a kabillion different ones trying to find something I liked and finally settled on L'Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Curls Spray gel.......and now that I have one I am happy with......you guessed it, I can only find it in a clearance bin. If I am lucky.

The other thing I cannot find is Face Powder. I leave the house at 7am and don't get home until after 5. I'm not a touch my make-up up kinda a girl, so I want a powder that lasts and keeps my combination skin from being all shiny. On a recent trip to a Clinique counter one of the advisors talked me into the Almost Powder Makeup (I told her everything I just said to you). I thought, heck it's Clinique so it has to be good, right? Wrong. It does not go on smoothly and leaves blotches on my face, some parts darker than others. I don't want caked on makeup, just a decent powder finish. I have a good complexion, except for that once a month pimple!

So here is my question to my readers; what do you recommend? Do any of you have any favorite products I should try? Or do you have the same problem and have one I should totally not try?!

I think.........

I think it is entirely possible that google and blogger have teamed up and are out to get me.
It is either that or lack of sleep is catching up with me! I vow that there will once again be numbers on comments tomorrow. I also vow that my grant paperwork that just dissappeard into cyberspace shall reappear. It really seems to just be that kind of day! Right now I have some dogs in sore need of their momma's attention!

Good Afternoon!

Just a brief note to tell everyone hello! Thanks for being so patient with me and all of the helpful emails for getting blogger to cooperate and number the comments! You guys and gals truly rock!

I have several reviews I will be posting for you in the next day and at least two more giveaways coming in the next week!

Have a great Tuesday!

Avon Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all those who have entered my first giveaway for the Avon Prize!

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 32 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

(I have yet to figure out how to copy the little box on random)

~J said... 32

Twitter follower...tweet 1 here: http://twitter.com/BBandAblog/status/11562577706

April 3, 2010 9:21 PM 

 

~J, I will be emailing you shortly, please respond within 48 hours so I can mail your prize!

Congrats!!

Help!

In trying to get blogger to let me number my comments it ate my template....and I still can't get it to number them! Any suggestions?

Good Vibrations~ G Swirl Review and Giveaway Ends 4-25

When my good friend Mel from It's Me Melbie! sent me a link to sign up as a Good Vibrations affiliate I was thrilled! THEN I found out I could review products for them and I was over the moon! Especially since I love their website! It is not raunchy, rather very tastefully done and super easy to navigate! Nor are they some fly by night company you are scared to give over your info too! Not only do they sell adult toys that women and men have been purchasing for over 3 decades, but they also have Off-Site Sex Ed programs:

"Good Vibration's Off-Site Sex Education (OSSE) program is a fabulous adventure in sex education. Our workshops are designed with interactivity in mind – by facilitating discussions and sharing information, we aim to help people learn more about sex and sexuality-related topics. In the spirit of having fun and helping folks get accurate sex information, we've transformed our knowledge and skills into learning events -- fun workshops with a meaningful purpose. Each workshop gets the group engaged; packed with brainstorms, exercises, and thought-provoking discussions, participants get both an education and a positive outlook on sex while having a great time."

For those of us worried about the enviorment Good Vibrations also has a green line!

"Have sustainable sex! Go Green with Good Vibrations earth-friendly Ecorotic ™ collection, all-natural and organic products, as well as longer lasting items that have less environmental impact, such as toys made from superior materials and rechargeable vibes."

Good Vibrations carries everything from tame to wild. Bubble bath to bondage.

Go HERE to read my review of the G-Swirl Vibe then come back and enter my contest to win the Tools of the Trade kit pictured below, which inludes:

 Red Hot Bullet Vibrator (waterproof!),

 the Pearl Drop Vibe, 

a packet of GV Vanilla Wipes,

 a 2oz Please Gel Lube and 3 AA batteries!

To Enter


Follow Carrie's Rambles on GFC (left hand side of page). This is *mandatory* and must be done for bonus entries to be considered.

Bonus Entries

1. Follow Me on Twitter @yorkiemomma and tweet this giveaway. Please include @yorkiemomma in it. You can tweet 3x per day for 1 extra entry each. You can use this tweet if you like:

Win a Good Vibrations "Tools of the Trade kit" from @yorkiemomma.
 http://tiny.cc/a5txg Ends on 4/25!


2. Fan Carrie's Rambles on Facebook. +1 entry

3. Head on over to Good Vibrations and tell me either one thing you learned about them
or one item you are dying to have! +1 entry

4. Follow Good Vibrations on Twitter. +1 entry

5. Share this giveaway on your facebook and link back here. (2 entries)


6. Sign up for Good Vibrations email list (follow link, then sign up on the top left side). Enjoy $5 off your order when you do! +1 entry


7. Enter any of my other giveaways. Receive 1 extra entry for each giveaway you enter. Leave a separate comment for each.

8. Add my button to your blog and link it's location here. (3 entries)


10. Blog about this giveaway and link back here. (3 entries)


Giveaway ends on April 25, 2010 on 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave me your email address if it's not attached to your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!


I received a G-Swirl vibe from Good Vibrations for review purposes. No other compensation was offered and opinions expressed are mine alone other consumers may have different opinions.

Yorkie Splash and Shine, Review & Giveaway

As anyone who reads this blog may happen to have noticed, I have four dogs. Two Yorkies and two Morkies and I am always on the look out for good pet products, especially ones for small dogs whose owners think they are children! I recently came across Yorkie Splash and Shine, and what really had me interested is the fact that the products are organic! I contacted Sarah to see if she would be interested in doing a review and giveaway with me. Within 3 days I had an Ultimate Set at my door!

Spike and Chester were nominated to bath time and away we went! Once I got Spike all wet down, I poured some shampoo in my hand, it was very thin and I thought, "Better use more" WRONG! You need very little of this shampoo to get a good lather going! I was rinsing suds off the poor thing forever! I would say just a couple drops on his/her back! After we rinsed all those suds out, I used a dollop of the conditioner, which was nice and thick, rubbed it in from head to tail and rinsed. He was very soft, no tangles.

Next up was Chester. My morkies (yorkie/maltese mixes) are my bane....these guys have hair that matts if you look at it funny and we tend to keep them shorter with long ears. I used just a couple drops this time and he suds up great! I conditioned and towelled dried. Then I got the Detangling Spray and sprayed behind his ears (I always end up cutting the matts out). The spray came out like a soft mist, and when I grabbed the brush those matts came out like they didn't exist! I am in love with this spray!

After Spike dried, his coat was so clean and soft looking, with blond highlights showing that I hadn't noticed in years, that I considered trying the shampoo myself! I love Yorkie Splash and Shine and would recomend it to any yorkie owner or really to any long haired dog owner! The only negative thing I could possibly say is that I wish there was a wee bit of scent!

Of course I am going to show you before and after pictures.

Chester (morkie) before                                             Chester after WOW

Spike Before                                                       Spike After!!!

BUY IT

Yorkie Splash and Shine has a selection of conditioners, detanglers and shampoos including the new foamer bottles! They also have great gift sets with personalized towels!

WIN IT

Sarah at Yorkie Splash and Shine has generously offered to gift one of my readers with the exact same set that I received! To enter please visit Yorkie Splash and Shine and tell me something you learned about the company OR and item you would like to try. *Mandatory* Must be done in order for bonus entries to count!

Bonus Entries

1. Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect (left hand side of page) +2

2.  Fan Yorkie Splash and Shine on facebook. Tell them I sent you! +1

3. Fan Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

4. Grab my button and link it back here (+3 entries)

5. Blog about this giveaway and link back here (+3 entries)

6. Follow ME on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Can be tweeted 3x per day for one entry each.

You may use this tweet if you like:

"Yorkie Splash and Shine Ultimate Giveaway. http://tiny.cc/bvyt4 ends 4/23" @yorkiemomma"

7. Enter any of my other giveaways. +1 entry each

Giveaway ends on April 23, 2010 on 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave me your email address if it's not attached to your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!

I received an Ultimate Set for review. I did not receive any other compensation to do this review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.