Free Halloween tote from VistaPrint

Now for a limited time only VistaPrint offers a FREE Halloween tote bag (limit one per customer).

Awesome deal for Huggies diapers @Amazon

Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers, Size 5, 27-Count (Pack of 4) -- 108 diapers total $12.99 + the shipping is free if you spend $25+ (no special codes needed).

Other sizes are available, but we're in size 5 now, and it's a pretty sweet deal for us.

Free General Mills samples (Spanish)

¿Quieres muestras gratis?
Muestras gratis de General Mills
¡Regístrate en Qué Rica Vida(TM) hoy!

100% Back in Rewards on School Supplies at OfficeMax.com

Until 9/18 Office Max has a bunch of school supplies that will be absolutely free after rebate. (Online only; limit is 6 for each of the "freebie" items)

Support a good cause and have a chance to win

This is the information that I got from MomSelect team this morning and am happy to pass along:

Electrolux and brand ambassador Kelly Ripa are partnering with some fashion-savvy bloggers to host a special fashion show to help raise awareness and funds to support ovarian cancer research.

Since September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, this fashion-focused event couldn't have come at a better time! This fun and innovative fashion show will demonstrate how Perfect Steam™, and a little fashion ingenuity, can take any garments from "Rumpled to Runway".

Even if you're not in the Big Apple to watch in person, you can cheer them on LIVE at www.Kelly-Confidential.com TODAY at 1 PM EDT. You can also follow along at Facebook/KellyConfidential and on Twitter @KCbyElectrolux.

Find out how you can help support the cause at Kelly Confidential and enter for a chance to win a daily shopping spree and the grand prize: a Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer from Electrolux.When you participate, Electrolux will donate $1 to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Hot deal -- Drugstore.com

Drugstore.com has a penny sale for de-luxe items (soaps and body washes) that come to a penny each when you order 5! The shipping is $5.99, but is free if you are the first-time customer ordering $25+ or a regular customer with a $49 purchase.

There are a few more cheap or free items with "instant coupons" at Drugstore.
$2 off Visine gets you free eye drops
$2 off + 25% off Clairol hair color gets you hair color for a quarter
$2 off Almay gets you free make up remover pads
$2 off Revlon gets you nail files for a quarter...

Awesome deals to be had at Drugstore.com

Free magazine subscriptions

• Free 6-month subscriptions for Parents (for new and expectant parents) from Similac - when you join, you will get this on the second page; if you are a current member, it's under your "Special offers" on the right
  
• Free 10-month digital subscription to Baby Talk (ValuMags)
• iPhone Life magazine
• Food Arts
• Cruising World (12 months, digital)
• Restaurant business magazine
• IT Innovation Success Kit (for IT decision makers)
  

Museum Day -- free admission on 9/25

Mark your calendars! September 25, 2010 is National Museum Day and over 1,000 museums are offering free admission. Find a museum participating in your area here and then print your ticket for up to two free admissions here.

Free 2011 Planning Calendar

You can order one copy of 2011 Planning Calendar in either English and/or Spanish here.
Orders will ship in December 2010, limit one per household.

Pampers Gifts to Grow codes

Here are some of the recent Pampers Gifts to Grow codes:

Worth 10 points each:
GTGCOUPONPOINTS
AUG2010FACEBOOK
GTGTENMONTHCODE
WELCOME2VILLAGE
WELCOME2GTG2010
XKCMYXFVD96VXVK
JOINTHEFUNGTG09
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG
OHAMANDAAWGTG08
GTGGETREADYSOON
GTGLEARNMORE089
getstartednow10
GTGSPRINGFREE10

And also:

GTGSUMMERFUN5PT – 5 points
15GTGSUMMERFUN – 15 points
25GTGSUMMER2010 – 25 points
GTGPLAY3USA2010 – 30 points
WELCOME2PAMPERS – 50 points

Yummy Earth Organic Lolipops - 5 lbs for $13.xx shipped!

We have got YummyEarth Organic Lollipops twice in the past, and I can tell you: these are much better than DumDums or other pops that are loaded with artificial ingredients and stain kids' mouths for days and give them nothing but sugar high! YummyEarth Organic Lollipops are all natural, full of flavor and ARE yummy! A little package of those retails for $4.99 at Trader Joe's so a huge 5 lb bag for $13.xx at Amazon is a steal! (Think Halloween!)

Here's what Amazon lists as product features:
# about 325 pops (based on weight - individual pops weight may vary)
# Mix of Sour Apple Tart, Pomegranate Pucker, Mango Tango, TooBerry Blueberry, Googly Grape, Strawberry Smash, Very Very Cherry, Wet-Face Watermelon
# Organic; allergen-free; gluten-free; GMO-free; egg-free; soy-free; nut-free; casein-free; dairy-free
# All-natural: fruit extracts; red cabbage and purple carrots for color; no artificial dyes or flavors
# Certified kosher by the Kof-K Kosher Certification

Right now you can get them for $13.xx shipped (make sure you select 'Subscribe and Save' option that gives you 15% instant savings and FREE shipping. You may cancel your subscription at any time, but this is actually the only subscription that I do keep at Amazon: we have these lollipops delivered every six months -- just about when we start running low :))

Free download from Amazon: PagePlus Essentials

Download your copy of PagePlus Essentials FREE ($49.99 value!)

PagePlus Essentials makes it a breeze to design and print stunning projects like cards, posters, newsletters and more with its amazing combination of powerful and easy-to-use desktop publishing features. It’s so easy to go from a blank page to a fantastic design just by dragging and dropping whatever you want onto your page – it’s that simple!

On-screen ‘How To’ guides can walk you through tasks step-by-step, while the handy Learning Zone contains videos and tutorials as well as access to the community forums and the extensive knowledge base – help is never far away. The professionally-designed, customizable templates in PagePlus Essentials are a great way to produce amazing documents in no time at all – just add your own pictures and words for a polished document in minutes.

Feminine protection freebies

• Free Kotex sample pack (choose one of four packs that include pads, liners and tampons)
• Ob tampons and carrying case
• Stayfree pads sample
• Always Infinity sample (click on "Discover Infinity")
  

More 100% Free magazines!

• Latina (1 year; MercuryMags)
• Oracle magazine (1 year)
• MOM - Multilateral Online Marketing
• Overdrive magazine
• Global Finance magazine
• Lighting magazine (2010 Edition)
• Horse and Rider magazine
  

Free magazines

These subscriptions are 100% FREE, no credit card needed, no bills in the mail, nothing to cancel!

• Cosmopolitan (1 year, digital subscription)
• Working Mother (1 year, digital subscription)
  
• Bridal guide (1 year, 12 issues, print)
• TransWorld SkateBoarding (12 digital issues)
• The Scientist (1 year, $50 value!) - offer valid for USA and Canada
• Living the Country Life magazine (3 year/12 issues subscription, print)
  
• Insider's Guide to Internet Marketing
  

Free eBook -- Crochet patterns

Ever since I taught my daughters to crochet, and we are always looking for new patterns and ideas. Here's Free eBook Guide to Crochet Patterns that is perfect for beginners: it has lots of pictures with very clear explanations. One of the few books I would recommend very highly!
Download your free copy here.

Kohls - Back to School secret sale

I just got an email that starting today, 8/11, Kohls has announced a "Secret Back to School Sale". Great deals to be had, plus get FREE shipping through banner above, and save an extra 15% with code BACK2SAVE. Don't forget to check out their Gold Star Clearance with final clearance items @80% off before the code!
Hurry, as the sale ends 8/18.

Free sample of pet food

Request your free sample of Nature's Select pet food here.

For O. --

Free General Mills samples

Here's a new link to get General Mills samples.
It's in Spanish, but you can figure it out! :)

Health and beauty freebies

• Emergen-C sample
• Real Time Pain Relief sample (enter your info on the right; must confirm request via email)
• Free Salonpas patch (either pain relief or arthritis)
  
• Free sample of Bodycology lotion (WalMart)
• Zantac 150 sample (WalMart)
  
• Free sample and coupon from CareFree
• Nivea Happy Sensation body lotion sample (WalMart)
• Tena feminine protection (WalMart)
  

Free bottle of Country Bob's sauce

Get a FREE bottle of Original Country Bob's all purpose sauce here.
(Limit one per household/address)

Free samples of Starbucks VIA

Get a FREE sample of Starbucks VIA instant coffee from Costco (you don't have to be a member to request a sample).

...and here's another one - from WalMart!

NEW free sample packages from Kotex

Go here to request a sample package from Kotex that fits your lifestyle best. There are 4 different sample packages to choose from.

HOT! New Quiznos coupon

Get new SiZzLiNg HOT coupon for Quiznos subs/chips/drink here (good at participating locations).

And the Winner Is...

My apologies for not posting the winner to the Shrek-tacular Giveaway on Wednesday, but without further ado the winner of the Shrek-tacular prize package from General Mills and MyBlogSpark is...

buddzagirl!

There is an additional prize - $10 Shrek-tacular savings coupon booklet that goes to CJ Sime!

Congratulations!

Grocery coupons at Amazon.com

Did you know that Amazon.com now has manufacturer's coupon in addition to their promotions and Subscribe and Save discounts and free shipping? There are some sweet deals to be had!

Grocery Coupons at Amazon

New Freebies from WalMart

Get a free trial-size bottle of Olay Total Effects Body Wash from WalMart.

Other samples currently available at WalMart.com:

• Tena feminine protection
• Prilosec OTC (heartburn remedy)
• Crest 3D White strips
  

Great deal alert: $20 off $20 at Spring Hill Nurseries

Spring Hills Nurseries have an amazing promo right now: get up to $20 off with key code 414217. If your order is $20 or less, you just pay for shipping (starts at $7.95).
I don't know when the deal expires, but I would hurry and place an order as soon as possible.

And the Winner Is...

Today is Wednesday, and it means we have a winner!

The winner of our "Sweet and Salty Snacks" giveaway sponsored by General Mills and MyBlogSpark is...

Christian Frugal Mama!

Congratulations!

Become: FREE Weekender Sampling kit (US and Australia)

Get a FREE Weekender Sampling kit here.

RiteAid -- $5 off $25 coupon

Sign up for Welness+ at RiteAid Pharmacy website and get $5 coupon to use on your next $25+ purchase as well as other benefits.

FREE tea samples

• Natural Persimmon Tea
• Teasta tea samples (your choice)
  

World's Best Cat litter - FREE after rebate

Right now (for a limited time) you can get World's Best Cat litter FREE after rebate. Download your rebate form here.

Facebook freebie: Ritz Crakerfuls

Sign up for a free sample of Ritz Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Crackerfuls (need facebook account).

Two FREE mousetraps

Click here to request 2 FREE mouse traps from the Bug store

Nature Made vitamins freebies

Are you a NatureMade Wellness Advisor? If not, you may want to be! Right now you can sign up for the following freebies (if you are an Advisor, just login into your account to get them):

• Free Personalized Vitamin Recommendations
• Free samples of NatureMade Chewable Vitamin D3
• Free samples of NatureMade Fish Oil
• Free samples of NatureMade Cholest Off

FREE 40 prints from York photo

Register today and get 40 FREE digital prints from York photo; also get $10 off your $25+ order -- details on the website.

Shrek-tacular Savings Event Review and Giveaway

General Mills is celebrating the May 21st release of Shrek Forever After, the final chapter of the Shrek films. Look for Shrek-tacular savings in the grocery store on your favorite General Mills brands like Go-GURT, Pillsbury, Fruit Roll-Ups, Bisquick, Green Giant and more.

MyBlogSpark and General Mills have sent us "Shrek-tacular Savings” information and prize pack that had a Shrek-tacular tote bag filled with participating products including Big G cereals, Fruit Roll-Ups Minis snacks and Betty Crocker Brownie Mix. The prize pack also included a $10 Shrek-tacular Savings coupon book with fun Shrek trivia, a Shrek water squirter, a Shrek highlighter and a $25 gift card to purchase tickets to see the new Shrek Forever After film.

Another prize pack - just like it - is for you to win!

The girls quickly picked their favorites: Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Trix Swirls cereals (each box features Shek-tacular design and has a toy squirter inside shaped like Shrek characters. We got a donkey and Princess Fiona!) and Fruit Roll-Ups and Brownie Mix

To win this amazing package from General Mills and MyBlogSpark that includes great GM products, $10 savings booklet and $25 gift card, Shrek squirter and highlighter, packaged in a Shrek-tacular shopping bag, leave a comment with your favorite Shrek character or your favorite General Mills product. For an extra entry, tweet or blog about this giveaway.

The winner will be selected at random on Wednesday, June 2nd.

To save even more green, visit www.everydaysaver.com/events/shrek to download coupons or check out coupons.com for more savings.

Convenience Stores Sweet and Salty Snacks Review and Giveaway

With three kids and lots of extracurricular activities, we find ourselves snacking a lot whether on the go or waiting for the kids... or just because :) I was super excited to when MyBlogSpark and General Mills offered us to review new snacks that recently became exclusively available at convenience stores nationwide.

We received a box filled with the following goodies:

• Cocoa Puffs Treats Triple Chocolate: An indulgent cereal bar that combines the great taste of Cocoa Puffs cereal and chocolate into one decadent treat, Cocoa Puffs Treats Triple Chocolate is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
• Nature Valley Oats ‘N Dark Chocolate Crunchy Granola Bars: If you want the best of both worlds, give Nature Valley Oats ‘N Dark Chocolate Crunchy Granola Bars a try. These bars mix dark chocolate pieces, oats and crisp rice nuggets for a classic crunch and burst of whole grain goodness, making them a perfect natural snack that’s high in fiber and protein, but low in saturated fat.
• Bugles Hot Buffalo: Need something salty with a bit of a kick? Look no further than Bugles Hot Buffalo Crisp Corn Snacks, which blends the taste of hot buffalo sauce with crispy corn Bugles.

While the hot stuff - Bugles Hot Buffalo - was too hot for my taste (and I didn't offer them to kids), my hubby loved every bit of them. Chocolate stuff was for the ladies in the house and Cocoa Puffs treats quickly became Victoria's and Nicole's favorite. I was lucky enough to snatch one of the Nature Valley oats and dark chocolate bars to work and it made a prefect mid-afternoon snack: wholesome, delicious, filling and giving the energy to get through the rest of the day :)

To celebrate the appearance of these new products in convenience stores all over the country, MyBlogSpark and General Mills are giving away a prize package to one of my readers. Here's what you'll get if you are the lucky winner (thanks to Crystal R. for the picture):

All you need to do is leave me a comment with your favorite snack. For an extra entry, blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment with the link.

The giveaway is open until Wednesday, May 26th.

Thank you and good luck!

New Freebies from WalMart

• Old Spice Odor Shield Body Wash
• Eucerin Skin Care samples (skin fortifying body lotion)
• Playtex Gentle Glide tampons
• Root Awakening Hair Care samples
  

FREE Reward day at Tropicana Juicy Rewards (5/14)

Today only (5/14) Tropicana Juicy Rewards is offering a free Juicy Rewards. All you need to do is login to your Tropicana Juice Rewards account. Search by zipcode for the rewards you have available near you. When you find the reward you want, click on tit to see more details and then click on “Get Free Reward” to get it for completely free.

Free Scrapbooking Ideas eBook

Here's another great (FREE!) eBook from FaveCrafts: 24 Simple Scrapbook layouts.
In this eBook they have:

• Birthday and Summer Scrapbook Pages
• Special Moments Layouts
• Beach Days Scrapbook Layouts
• Family Memories
  

and more!


Download yours here.

Home Depot: Free eco-friendly gardening workshop

• Learn how to plant and maintain an edible garden
• Create raised garden beds that allow you to start with balanced soil, no matter what's underneath - even cement
• See the difference using rain barrels can make for your water usage
• Learn all about composting to create endless nutrient-rich fertilizer

Register for the FREE eco-friendly gardening workshop featuring Martha Stewart at your local Home Depot.

And you can order a FREE Vegetable Garden Guide from Burpee's -- a perfect companion freebie! :)

Free sample of Enfamil formula (3 to choose from)

Free samples from WalMart

• U by Kotex (choice of pads, tampons or liners)
• Benefiber Orange
• John Frieda Root Awakening haircare
• Parent's Choice baby formula
• Dove Men+Care
• Eucerin Daily Skin Balance lotion
  
• Prilosec OTC
  

Earth Day Giveaway - Green Bag Tag

Today is Earth Day, and I would like to help one of my readers take a step towards a greener life by giving away a FREE Green Bag Tag that you can use at any CVS Pharmacy nationwide along with your own bag and save a tree every time you do so. In addition to that, every 4th time your Green Bag Tag is scanned at the register, you get $1 in CVS ExtraCare Bucks! It's like being paid to use your own bag!
You can learn more about Green Bag Tag at CVS website here.

Just leave me a comment with your favorite "green" tip or just say that you want it.
The winner will be selected at random next Wednesday, April 28th.

Free Sentsy Sample kit

Go here to get your Free Sentsy Sample kit. You can choose up to 4 samples with the following scents: fruit, flower, clean, cinnamon, vanilla, bakery, spice, musk-natural.

Free sample of Color Grabber cloths

"Specifically developed to act like a magnet in your washing machine, Color Grabber will keep your colored clothes bright, bold and vibrant!" -- get a free sample of Color Grabber by joining Cleaning Heroes Club. (US only, must confirm email)

Free OB travel pack

Request a free sample of OB tampons in a cute and sturdy travel case here.

And the winner is...

The winner of the $20 Giant/Stop&Shop gift card giveaway is...

OlegZ!

Congratulations!

Please get back to me with your mailing address within 24 hours, otherwise an alternative winner will be selected.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to MyBlogSpark, Giant and General Mills for the prize! Don't forget to shop for General Mills products at your local Giant or Stop and Shop store and get a chance to win a brand new 2010 Hybrid car!

Fruit2O - Review and Giveaway

MomSelect has sent us six bottles of new Fruit2O Essentials beverage to review and giveaway to my readers. What a treat! Fruit2O comes in 6 delectable blends of fruit flavors with several nutrients found in 2 servings of fruit in each bottle. A great new way to get the water and nutrients you need anywhere, anytime—all with 0 calories!

My daughters (who are very particular about what they drink) have announced their winners: Vikki's favorite was Citrus, and Nikki's - Cherries & Acai berries. They liked the remaining flavors (Cranberry + Raspberry, Strawberry + Kiwi, Blueberry + Pomegranate and Peach + Mango) equally and I was quite happy they did as each bottle contains not only water, but also vitamins and fiber equivalent of 2 servings of fruit per bottle.

Would you like to try Fruit2O Essentials for yourself? One lucky reader will get a set of 6 bottles of Fruit2O - one of each flavor -- just leave me a comment before next Tuesday, telling me what is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. The winner will be chosen at random, and announced next Wednesday, April 28th.

Can't wait to try it? Go over to Fruit2O website and print money saving coupons before you head over to the store ;)

Giant Gift Card Giveaway and How to Enter to Win an Eco-Friendly Car

I have received a word from MyBlogSpark about a great promotion that Giant and Stop-and-Shop stores in MA, RI, CT, NH, NJ, NY, MD, DE, VA and DC are planning in the upcoming two weeks to celebrate Earth month: between April 16-29, each time you use a reusable shopping bag and purchase any five of participating General Mills products with your Giant/Stop-and-Shop card, you are entered to win a brand new 2010 eco-friendly Hybrid car!

The participating products are listed below -- chances are you are buying them already!

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

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

You can also enter without making a purchase by filling out a form in your store, see your Giant or Stop-and-Shop store for details.

General Mills and Giant have sent me a $20 gift card via MyBlogSpark; and they are giving another $20 giftcard to one of my readers who are interested in this promotion. Just leave me a comment with your favorite General Mills item to enter. The winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday, 4/20th.

Good luck! :)

FREE Recycling crafts eBook - 42 ways to recycle

Get inspired to reduce, reuse and recycle -- download your free copy of this NEW Recycling crafts eBook here. It has plenty ideas for recycling paper, glass, metal, plastic and more!

Zippity Doo's Twitter party today, prizes to be won!

Zippity Doo's™ Twitter Party

Date: TODAY, March 18th, 2010
Time: 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. EST
Location: #ZippityDoos
Host: @MomTalkRadio

Get in on the fun before the party event starts! We have an entire set of Zippity Doo's products to give away as a pre-party prize. This set includes 5 products- shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, detangler and shield spray.

To be eligible to win, make sure you complete the following:

- Click HERE to RSVP

- Tweet out the details of the #ZippityDoos party between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the day of the party

RainbowBrite is back!

Do you remember Rainbow Brite from your childhood? Well, guess what? She is back! :) A modern up-to-date version that is, with her own website - Rainbow Brite online - that has games, a short video, a list of cool new Rainbow Brite products and more! Rainbow Brite dolls are actually back in Target stores right now, and they will be hitting Toys ‘R’ Us this month.

MomSelect and Hallmark had sent me Rainbow Brite activity CDs with games, puzzles, a picture maker, coloring pages, the Rainbow Brite theme song - for my daughters to enjoy and for me - to give away! We got the CDs just before the major snowstorms, so the timing could not have been better: my daughters (a third grader and a preschooler) spent hours playing with Rainbow Brite and enjoyed the activities offered on the CD.

Now you can too! I'm giving away 5 of the CDs on February 28th. All you have to do is leave me a comment until then. :) The winners are selected at random.

Meanwhile, you can go to Rainbow Brite website and see what the buzz is all about and don't forget that you can find Rainbow Brite products at Target and Toys'R'Us (in case your kids start bugging you to get the actual dolls like mine do :))

HOT! 15% off coupon for Chidrens' Place!

Click to get your coupon for 15% off ANY purchase at Childrens' Place stores! (Valid thru 2/18 only).

Free Freezer bag (Sam's Club)

Get a complimentary freezer bag (while supplies last) for Sam's Club (membership number is optional). Request yours here.
US only; limit 1 per household.

Free eBook: 25 Sewing Crafts

New eBook from FaveCrafts, 25 Sewing Crafts, is available for download.

Included in this eBook:

Easy Clothing Patterns

• Girls' Tiered Skirt (page 4) - This is a must-have for every little girl. This free easy sewing pattern uses beautiful fabrics and basic techniques.

• Reversible Scrap Fabric Apron (page 9) - Create an adorable half-apron with scraps of fabric from around the house.
• Easy Applique Flowers (page 16) - This tutorial shows you how to dress up clothing in a simple and inexpensive way with scrap fabric pieces.
  

Sewing For the Holidays

• Embellish a Pillow for Mom (page 29) - Even if you are not very crafty, you can still present a loving gift this Mothers Day, created by your own hands, without breaking a sweat.

• Fleece Gnome Hat Tutorial (page 30) - This fleece baby's gnome hat is adorable for the cold weather. It is easy to make following this quick tutorial.

Home Decor Crafts

• Framed Monogram (page 37) - Create a beautiful, framed monogram with felt and fabric. A bird embellishment tops of a simple sewn creation for truly creative decor.

• Heating Pillow with Buckwheat (40) - Sew up an easy pillow filled with buckwheat to serve as a heating pad.

Sewn Bags Patterns

• Camping or Sleepover Bag (page 44) - Get a little creative and sew up a convenient bag in colorful fabric to transport your sleeping bag and other essentials.

• Muslin Snack Bags (page 50) - These little muslin snack bags are the perfect size for all your snacking needs and environmentally friendly!

Download your free copy here.

Better General Mills Cereal - Review and Giveaway

As I mentioned back in December, General Mills has announced their commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

MyBlogSpark has provided me with 4 VIP coupons for free boxes of General Mills cereals of our choice so that we could see if we can taste and feel the difference. We love cereal in the morning: it's fast, easy and nutritious breakfast that makes life with three kids a little easier :) And hey, did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children´s diets. Cereal Health and Wellness is a good resource to learn more ;)

We have used three of the VIP coupons and purchased our favorites: Cinnamon Toast Crunch for hubby and me, Cocoa Puffs for Vicki and Nicki and Banana Nut Cheerios for Mark. We did a "blind test" but frankly couldn't taste the difference: we got the same great taste that we know and love.

Right now you can save $1 off your favorite General Mills cereal here, and I will send our fourth VIP coupon for a FREE box of any General Mills cereal to one of you to help you start your morning juuuust right - with a bowl of your favorite yummy cereal. Just leave me a comment :)
The winner will be randomly selected a week from today, on Friday, Jan. 29th

Contest: Expressions of Hunger

Would you like to do something to help fight hunger? Would you like to be featured on a limited-edition box of Cheerios? Or, maybe, both?

If you live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland or Delaware, I encourage you to take part in the Expressions of Hunger contest sponsored by ShopRite and General Mills.

Why?
Because...
· Nearly 50 million Americans, including 17 million children, suffered from food insecurity last year, a 36 percent increase from the year before
· “Hunger” has been identified as one of the leading food issues of 2010 by leading nutrition and food policy expert Marion Nestle
· It’s not always easy to put a “face” on the devastating effects of hunger - through creative expression, ShopRite Partners in Caring hope to show how hunger may look throughout different communities

You can submit a video of an original song, poem, performance art, or dramatically read story that creatively describes the plight of the hungry or offers a solution to hunger at Expressions of Hunger website by March 1, 2010 and have a shot at winning the following prizes:

· Up to six grand prize winners in the Expressions of Hunger video contest will have their stories and pictures featured on a limited-edition Cheerios box available exclusively in ShopRite stores in September, 2010.

· Ten honorable mention winners will receive a video camera.

· All winning entries will be featured on the ShopRite Partners In Caring website and the Expressions of Hunger contest website, as well as on ShopRite’s YouTube page.

Please check out Expressions of Hunger and take part in making our world a happier place.

Eat Smart, Walk Strong -- free download

Amazon has been a great source of free downloads lately. Here is a TON of free music MP3 downloads that I stumbled upon yesterday.

While looking around today, I have also noticed that Leslie Sansone's Eat Smart, Walk Strong is also available for free download here.
This is a Kindle edition, but can also be downloaded to your PC or iPod.

Free Vancouver 2010 journal

Capture all your Vancouver 2010 memories in your FREE personalized Official Vancouver 2010 Journal. Store tickets and memorabilia, and record your Games-related thoughts and experiences in this 160-page personalized journal (valued at $17.99 CDN). This unique keepsake includes photography ideas, questions to prompt Games memories, blank journal pages and a special pocket for Games-related memorabilia. A must-have for all Games enthusiasts!

*Offer not available to residents of Australia and Palestine

Free travel guides

Request free travel guides here - by mail or download. So many destinations to choose from!

Even if you are not planning on traveling any time soon, these could be great learning tools for kids to learn about other places. We also like to recycle travel brochures and maps for all sorts of craft projects - from scrapbooks to giftwrap.... :)

Enjoy!

Free classical music downloads from Amazon.com

Get a free 26-track album of classical music from composers such as Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Dvorak, Saint-Saens, and more at Amazon --free download.

Format - Music: MP3

Compatible with MP3 Players (including with iPod®), iTunes, Windows Media Player