Chili's Triple Dipper Review and Giveaway

Sometimes I think that I have some strange palate but I love to make a variety of combinations on one plate.  When I was given the opportunity to create my own dream plate, I really had to sit and think about it.  I mean think of all of the amazing combinations of delicious food out there.  I think that if I was able to choose a plate of all of my favorite food it would consist of one part lox and bagle, one part dragon roll and one part teriyaki steak.  It may sound weird to you, but well these are some of my favorites.

Have you been to Chili's lately?  I am a HUGE fan of their fajitas.  Most of you know that I live just outside of Houston and we have more Mexican food in this town than any other restaurant type and still my favorite fajitas here come from Chili's.  Well they have a new opportunity where you can choose your own three favorites and put them on a plate.  It is called a Triple Dipper and being a 'tapas' kind of person myself, the thought of eating three different appetizers for dinner sounds heavenly.    There is a large variety of choices that you can choose to create your own little piece of appetizer nirvana.    I ended up ordering the Big Mouth Bites, Southwest Eggrolls and Boneless Buffalo Wings.

I love that you don't have to choose just one.  You get to try a variety and the portions are plentiful.  I was super full and ever kept part of it for tomorrow's lunch.  My buffalo boneless chicken wings were just so juicy and the burgers yummy!  We always order the southwestern egg rolls.  They are kind of a "Chili's Treat" in our house.  Now on to the fun part.  Would you like to try your own Triple Dipper?  I have a 20.00 Chili's Gift Card to giveaway so that you can try your own Triple Dipper.

Mandatory Entry - 

Go on the Chili's Website and tell me one what three items you would choose.


Extra Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter  
• Like Chili's on Facebook
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• Follow @ShoutOut2EatOut and @Chilis on Twitter
• "Like"  Homemaker in Progress on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway and post the permalink in your post.  Feel free to use the twitter link below this post.

 This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. However the thoughts are my own. I was given a sample of this product in exchange for my opinion

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends July 8, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Little Looster Review and Giveaway

So as many of you know I have a two and a half year old and well she seems to pick up everything quickly.  Well except one thing.  Potty training.  We have been dabbling in potty training for the past few months now and though we haven't been super successful, I am pulling out all of the tricks.  I have learned that Samantha plus princess potty equals a mess on my floor from the sink because she only uses it as a step stool instead of of a potty. When I was given the opportunity to review the Little Looster, I was thinking...YES!  ANYTHING!  I thought that maybe if Samantha saw what I was doing, she would try it herself.  So what is the Little Looster?  It is a horseshoe shaped step stool that wraps around any toilet.  It is perfect for little ones to help them climb up on to the big potty.  It encourages them to use the potty like a big boy or girl.  The way that Mommy and Daddy does.  It also is wraps around so nicely that when I use that same toilet, I didn't need to move it.  I was able to keep the little looster in place.  I really liked that given that my bathroom is quite small. 

So how did it work for me?   Well she did climb up on it and she was able to reach.  Now as most mothers know that potty training is a process, and well we haven't mastered it yet, but my Little Looster is still in place.  I am a big believer in this product and feel that even though my daughter hasn't yet completed her potty training, that this will definitely assist her in using the potty when she does. 

Now on to the fun part.  I didn't want to make you all wait until Samantha is potty trained before I give you the opportunity to get one for yourself!

These are a great deal at 34.99 and can be purchased here on their website.  I was also given the opportunity to give away one of them to my readers.  So make sure you do the mandatory entry, and after that do all or none of the extra entries.  Good Luck!



Mandatory Entry - 
Go on the Little Looster Website and tell me one thing that you had learned.


Extra Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter  
• Like Little Looster  on Facebook
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like"  Homemaker in Progress on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway and post the permalink in your post.  Feel free to use the twitter link below this post.

Disclosure Statement

This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. However the thoughts are my own. I was given a sample of this product in exchange for my opinion

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends June 11, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Have you heard about the 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest

Pillsbury is looking for original recipes that taste and look delicious, are easy to prepare and that families across America will love to eat. Consumers can submit recipes in one of four recipe categories:

• The Breakfast & Brunches category includes casual brunch or weekend family breakfast ideas. For example, sweet rolls, pull-aparts, pastries, breakfast breads, egg dishes or breakfast sandwiches.
• In the Entertaining Appetizers category, entrants can submit appetizers and snacks to serve at casual gatherings with family and friends or for holiday entertaining. For example, bite size appetizers, tartlets, pinwheels, puffs, bruschetta or focaccia.
• The Dinner Made Easy™ category encourages home cooks to create easy-to-prepare main dishes that will delight your family. For example, pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, foldovers, casseroles, chilis, soups or savory pies.
• Quick and easy treats for anytime celebrations can be entered into the Sweet Treats category. For example, cookies, pies, tarts, brownies or bars.

Entries are being accepted online between now and April 18, 2011, at www.bakeoff.com. One hundred lucky finalists will compete for a chance at the grand prize during the contest finals, which take place March 25-27, 2012 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel in Florida. You’ll also find contest details, including eligible products, prizes and the official rules, on the web site.

The recipes will be judged for 1) taste, 2) appearance, 3) creativity and 4) consumer appeal. All entries must meet the requirements of the recipe category and appropriately use two of the eligible products in at least the quantity specified.

Wanna participate?  Well MyBlogSpark and Pillsbury has provided me with some goodies to get me started and they have also set up to have an addition one sent to one of my readers!  All you have to do is enter and you could possibly win a Pillsbury Bake-Off^® gift pack that includes a Pillsbury Bake-Off^® apron, recipe book, pen and notepad.

Mandatory Entry:

What do you think goes into coming up with a winning recipe?

Additional Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 

 "I entered the 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest on Homemaker in Progress and you should too!    http://tinyurl.com/443ep3d  #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest April 14, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review & Giveaway

As a Purex Insider, I am given an opportunity to find out about their new products as or just before they hit the shelves.  I am super excited about their newest fabric softener.  They are crystals rather than a liquid which is amazing!  Did you know that most traditional liquid fabric softeners are oil based?  I didn't know that!  And what these liquid softeners are doing are coating your fabrics in oil.  Over time this residue builds up and allows dirt to stick to your clothes.  I had never heard of any of this but I will be making the switch immediately!

Purex Complete Crystals are 92% natural rather than oil based.  They work by penetrating the fabric and infusing fibers with freshness so that they last for weeks rather than days.  Wouldn't it be nice to have your sheets smell like they just came out of the dryer for longer than just those first few nights?

Here is how they work:

The oil in traditional fabric softeners will also cause your towels to absorb less water.  The oils interfere with the absorbency of fabrics.  Using Purex Complete Crystals will keep your towels nice and absorbent.

I received a sample to try out and I am hooked.  I was excited to hear that I could use this in my high efficiency washer because that was my first concern when I had gotten the sample.  The scent was just heavenly and it really did last.  I can't wait to use it with my comforter because that will just make my whole room smell wonderfully!

Now that you have heard all about this amazing product, how about getting to try it out for free?  Purex is willing to provide a free product coupon to a few readers on my blog.  How do you enter?   Well here it is:

Mandatory Entry:

"Like' Purex on Facebook and publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries

• Follow me on twitter  
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like"  Homemaker in Progress on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway and post the permalink in your post.  Feel free to use the twitter link below this post.

Disclosure Statement

Purex did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with the product to review. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends March 3, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Good luck!

Childrens Book Review : Adopted Ed

Sometimes a good book really reminds us good lessons that we should be teaching our children.  I was blessed with a review of Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern.  As I type this review tonight, I almost have tears in my eyes.  This story is about a baby named Eddie whom is raised by adoptive parents.  He lives a happy and secure childhood and when he becomes a young boy, his parents explain that he was adopted.  
 
Given that he doesn't know any better, he is perfectly fine being adopted until he goes to school.  A bully teases him about being adopted and calls him names.  At this point as I am reading this story, tears start roll down my cheek.  My heart was totally going out to little Eddie and  he ends up going home crying.  His adoptive mother lets him know that he was a blessing from God and that he was chosen for their family.  Later as he gets older, he inquires about his birth parents. 

It really teaches a great lesson to our children and a reminder to us all.  I would recommend this book to everyone who has young children.  It teaches a good lesson of tolerance and love.  If you would like to order this book, you can find it on Amazon.com by clicking the link.


I was not compensated to write this review.  I was provided with the book itself to review.  All opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. 

Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” Review and Giveaway

So due to some travel, I have spent some time away from my home and haven't been able to do an entry.  Well now that we are back at home I am thrilled to share with you my next giveaway.  My Blog Spark had given me my inspiration for tonight's dinner.  There is one dinner that the whole family enjoys.   Taco night!  Well tonight was our night and again it was a hit.  The best part about Old El Paso products is they have a little something for everything.  At my house, we can never agree on what type of shells for the tacos.  Some want hard shell, others like soft tacos.  Old El Paso actually has a box of six hard shells and six soft.  It ends up perfect for my children who never agree on anything. 

Before I discovered these products from Old El Paso, I would have to purchase a box of hard shells and a box of tortillas.  For some reason I would never use the leftover shells in time and they would go bad. I was throwing away money and I hate wasting anything.  Now I don't have to.  I also used their taco seasoning for my entree this evening and everyone thought my taco meat was delicious.  

For a fun twist on Taco Night, be sure to try one of the delicious recipes below.

• Double Layer Tacos
• Old El Paso Favorite Recipe! Layered taco shells and tortillas create the "double" in beef- and bean-stuffed tacos.
• Chicken Ranch Tacos
• Need a new idea for a 30-minute dinner? Here's a twist on ta cos using precooked chicken.

My Blog Spark has provided me with an Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase my taco fixings.  So basically they bought my family dinner and they can do the same for you.  My Blog Spark and Old El Paso has provided me with a "Family Taco Night' prize pack to give away to one of my readers.  

They have also provided me with a coupon link that you can print to purchase your own taco goodies. You visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me which of the featured recipes on the General Mills site would you like to try?

Additional Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 

 "I entered the Old El Paso Family Taco Night Giveaway on Homemaker in Progress and you should too! http://tinyurl.com/2emz8a9 #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends December 14, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Carmex Moisture Plus Tint Lip Balms Review & Giveaway

I was given opportunity to review another exciting product and I just have to share it with you.  I was contacted by the makers of Carmex to try out their new product.  They sent me a set of Carmex Moisture Plus Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach Tint Lip Balms.

I had to admit that I was unaware that Carmex made anything other than what my mom uses in those little yellow pots so I was really excited to receive such a fun new product.  At first glance, I was rather surprised at how classy the packaging looked.  I really liked the shiny silver tube. So I opened both packages and looked at the pink one first.  I was a bit concerned that it was too pinky for me.  Once I put it on I realized that actually it was quite sheer and did give just a 'hint' of color.  Same goes for the peach.  Not too much, just a hint.

I also noticed not only how instantly my lips felt moisturized, but how long it lasted.  I didn't have to reapply for a few hours and that was probably just out of habit.  I found that this product was really effective overall.  The best part is that Carmex also sent me an additional set to giveaway to one of my followers!

Now if you want to purchase this product, you can only buy it at Walgreens Stores or here at Walgreens.com

Now if you would like to win  one of these sets, here is how you to it!

Mandatory Entry:

Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries

• Follow me on twitter  
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like"  Homemaker in Progress on Facebook
• "Like" Carmex Lip Balm on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway and post the permalink in your post.  Feel free to use the twitter link below this post.

Disclosure Statement

Carmex did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with the product to review. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Big G Cereal Movie Cash Review and Giveaway

To tack on to my great mail day today, I wanted to get started on getting another giveaway on my site.  Today I received a "Family Flick Night" gift pack, courtesy of General Mills through Blog Spark.  I am so excited about this promotion that I just need to share it with you!  

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of Big G cereals including Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Trix® (14.8 oz) and Reese’s Puffs® cereal (18 oz.).

After purchasing two participating cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theatres). To find a participating theater in your area, log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.

So you must be wondering what exactly is in the "Family Flick Night" gift pack?  Well you are going to want to know because General Mills and Blog Spark gave me an extra gift pack to giveaway to one of my fellow followers.  So here is what I was sent:

The  “Family Flick Night” gift pack will include two boxes of the participating Big G cereals and four Movie Cash certificates.  Doesn't that sound awesome? Here is how you enter:

**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****


Mandatory Entry:


Tell me which cereals are you looking forward to purchasing to earn e-movie cash?

Additional Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 

 "I entered the General Mills Giveaway on Homemaker in Progress and you should too! http://tiny.cc/imx31 #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Result: 26 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

Congrats to Amy!  She was the 26th Comment!  She won the prize pack!

Disclosure Statement
General Mills did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with information and the products to give away through My BlogSpark. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

PartyLite Pink Scents of Illumination Review & Giveaway

When I was given an opportunity to review such a beautiful product which represents such an amazing cause, I was ecstatic.   When I took the product out of the box I immediately was greeted with the delicious scent of PartyLite's Strawberry Rhubarb tealights.  The martini glass has a pink gel in it that beautifully lights up when the candle is lit.  Given that one of my relatives had breast cancer, I really love that they are donating a portion of their proceeds to Breast Cancer Research.

The set came with a dozen pink Strawberry Rhubarb tealights and a dozen unscented tealights.  Since the scented gel keeps its scent for about three months, I recommend saving the scented tealights for use once the gel no longer is scented.  The tealight stayed lit for what felt like almost the entire evening and I love that the wax is held in a clear plastic holder allowing the light to pass through all parts of the tealight rather than just the top.  This is a beautiful set, and anyone who was touched by Breast Cancer should truely enjoy it.

“A world with less breast cancer is a world with more birthdays.”  The American Cancer Society

This product is only available during the month of October, so if you happen to know someone who was touched by the disease, you can still order it for them.  This and any PartyLite product can be ordered though your PartyLite consultant.

PartyLite Pink Scents of Illumination glass holds a tealight and will add grace and charm to any celebration.  Beautifully boxed with a pink ribbon and card for a personal message, this is a lovely gift for that special woman who has been touched by this disease.  The fragrance lasts a minimum of three months.  Celebrate more birthdays with PartyLite candles!  ($32.95)

Would you like to win one of these amazing sets? PartyLite is providing the same set that I was given to review to one of my followers.

**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****

Mandatory Entry:

Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Additional Entries

• Follow me on twitter  
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like" Homemaker in Progress
• Follow PartyLite on Twitter
• "Like" PartyLite on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway.   (Max 3 entries per day atleast one hour apart.) Feel free to use the twitter button below to tweet about this giveaway.

Disclosure Statement
PartyLite did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with the product to review. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 1, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

PartyLite is also holding its own sweepstakes as well where you can win some amazing prizes.  

in October and November only 

Lite Up Your Holidays Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes

From PartyLite!

Click here to enter and if you do not already have a consultant's code,  use  DN4FJC



Congrats to Bea Watson who was the 13th post and won this giveway.  Lucky girl!!!

True Random Number Generator  -  Result: 13

Sears Hometown Stores Guest Blogger Entry & Giveaway

I was given an opportunity with Sears Hometown Stores to be a guest blogger on their website discussing what I thought was most important appliance in my house.  So exciting!  Take a look at my entry which I had posted below:

     When I encountered this opportunity to discuss with Sears which hometown store appliance was the most important in my household, I was thrilled to share my thoughts on the subject.  I had never realized how important my appliances were until majority of them we taken away from me. On September 13, 2008, Houston was hit by Hurricane Ike and we had lost all power for almost two weeks. Soon, the food in my refrigerator was spoiling and all of the frozen products in my freezer were melting. I then realized that one of my appliances did work. I still had my gas range. This turned out to be the biggest blessing one could imagine.

     I had given birth to my daughter on August 8, 2008 and, when the hurricane hit, she was almost five weeks old. Thankfully with the aid of my gas range, I was able to sterilize bottles, cook spaghetti and rice for my family, and really continue to feed my children and husband a variety of foods, which others had been struggling cooking on camping stoves and barbecue grills. The power was out, but I still had access to my gas line. My children were able to have many of the foods that they were used to despite living in conditions without power and some damage. I was also confident that my newborn daughter at the time had clean and safe bottles to drink out of.  I wouldn’t have been able to do any of these things without the aid of my range and for that I am very thankful.

     Now it doesn’t take a natural disaster for me to love my appliances especially my range. I love that I can provide a good hot meal for my family and then follow it up with a delicious baked dessert. I was just blessed that at that particular time I was able to provide for my family when many were unable to do so during a very hard time. For that reason, my range is my most important appliance in my home.

Now for the fun stuff!  Sears Hometown Stores has offered a $75.00 gift card to be given to a follower of my blog! 

**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****

Mandatory Entry:

Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries

• Follow me on twitter  
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like Homemaker in Progress
• Follow SearsHTS on twitter
• "Like" SearsHometownStores on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway.  You can copy and paste the link below.  (Max 3 entries one hour apart per day)  

"Check out Homemaker in Progress and enter to win a 75.00 Sears gift card.  http://tiny.cc/i5z8j   Ends 10/28"


Disclosure Statement
Sears did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine and any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified by Sears.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends October 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Looks Like Our Winner is Comment #36!

Result: 36 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

 

Shannon said...

tweet http://twitter.com/sethandshannon1/status/27584389358 sethandshannon1 at yahoo dot com

October 16, 2010 4:29 PM