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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Giveaway List - 1/2

Here is the first giveaway list of 2010!  Hopefully all of you won a bunch of great prizes in 2009 and best of luck in all the contests and giveaways you enter in 2010!

Worldwide
Simply Stacie is giving away 20 - $5 gift certificates for PokeTALK. - Ends January 10th

Mama Dweeb
is giving away a 1 year free subscription to LoobaLee and $20 shopping rebate. - Ends January 11th

Simply Stacie is giving away a Mommy Earth Dangling Donut Necklace. - Ends January 11th

A Frugal Life is giving away a Custom Sterling Silver Charm Braclet. - Ends January 13th


Canada and US Only

An Herbal Bedfellow is giving away a 2.2 lb. bag of Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Flour. - Ends January 3rd

Cherry Blossoms {the blog} is giving away a Kidorable Umbrella. - Ends January 3rd

Simply Stacie
is giving away Sassy Tights from Taylor Joelle Designs. - Ends January 6th

Simply Stacie is hosting a giveaway from Flattenme. - Ends January 6th

Simply Stacie is giving away a Hooter Hider from Bebe Au Lait. - Ends January 7th

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of Seduced by a Rogue (book). - Ends January 7th

My Four Monkeys is giving away a Pixos Ultimate Design Station. - Ends January 11th @ 11:59pm EST

My Four Monkeys is giving away a Paperoni 3D Pig Kit. - Ends January 11th @ 11:59pm EST

My Four Monkeys is giving away a Flick Trix Bike Shop Set from Spin Master. - Ends January 11th @ 11:59pm EST

Simply Stacie is giving away a Language Lizard gift certificate for $15. - Ends January 11th

Glimpse is giving away 2 Sleep Sacs. - Ends January 14th

Glass of Win is giving away an OHM eco-friendly diaper changing mat by Zo-li. - Ends January 31st


US Only
Still Blonde after all these Years is giving away a Pendant, Barrette, and Earrings from CD Jewelry Art. - Ends January 3rd @ 11:59pm

Helping Mommys Win is giving away a You've been Sentenced! game and the Add-on Decks. - Ends January 5th

Rockin' Mama is giving away a 9 Piece UltraGold Bakeware Set. - Ends January 5th @ 10pm PST

A Frugal Friend is giving away a $15 Save-a-Lot Gift Card. - Ends January 5th @ midnight CST

Becca's Backyard is giving away a $10 Whole Foods Gift Card. - Ends January 9th @ 11:59pm PST

Rockin' Mama is giving away 2 Pairs of KN Pink Lady Boyfriend Pajamas. - Ends January 9th @ 10pm PST

Rockin' Mama is giving away a Wii Fit Starter Kit and Yoga Mat for Wii Fit (2 Winners). - Ends January 10th @ 10pm

Rockin' Mama is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate for EcoStore. - Ends January 10th @ 10pm

Simply Stacie is giving away a $25 gift certificate for StoreHouse Foods. - Ends January 10th

Rockin' Mama is giving away a Pure Essentials Set from Organic Cottontail. - Ends January 12th @ 10pm

Rockin' Mama is giving away a Green Baby Kit from Seventh Generation. - Ends January 12th @ 10pm

Rockin' Mama is giving away a $10 GC to Pizza Hut. - Ends January 13th @ 10pm

Mrs. Cox's Slice o' Heaven is giving away a Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Prize Pack. - Ends January 17th @ 2pm PST


Unknown
Mom Start is giving away a Melissa & Doug Lemonade Stand. – Ends January 4th

Mom Start
is giving away Jimmy Dean Sausage Coupons. – Ends January 4th

Mom Start is giving away a $50 AMEX gift certificate. – Ends January 4th

Mom Start
is giving away a pair of Earbudeez. – Ends January 4th

Mom Start
is giving away a copy of Bound to Shadows. – Ends January 4th

Mom Start is giving away a prize package of BBC swag (worth $225). – Ends January 4th

Mom Start
is giving away a Dog bed, and pet supplies ($100 Value). – Ends January 11th

Mom Start is giving away a $5 Wendy's Gift card. – Ends January 11th


Do you want your giveaway added to the next giveaway list?  Find out how here!  Don't want to wait?  Add your giveaway now with Mister Linky!





FREE Magazine Subscriptions (Ongoing List)




UPDATE: One free magazine subscription was added to the list on March 1st, 2010.  The new addition says *NEW* beside it.

I was doing some searching today and found a bunch of magazine subscriptions that are being offered at no cost...in other words - FREE!  I will be listing subscriptions that are family friendly (a.k.a I will not be listing an 'inappropriate adult' magazines or trade magazines) and I will add new FREE subscriptions as I find them. I have sorted them into 4 categories:

Baby (about)
American Baby
(US ONLY)
BabyTalk Magazine (US ONLY)

Children (for or about)
Kiwi Magazine (US ONLY)
Lego Magazine (Available in a number of countries including the US and CANADA)
Parenting Early Years (US ONLY)
PETA Kids (WORLDWIDE)
Young Disciple (CANADA AND US ONLY)

Women
Betty Crocker Birthday Parties (WORLDWIDE - Automated transfer to online magazine when you click on the link)
Bridal Guide (US ONLY - 1 Issue)
Elle (US ONLY)
Family Circle (US ONLY - 2 Issues)
Harper's Bazaar (US ONLY)
Quilter's World (CANADA AND US ONLY - 1 Issue)
Rouge (CANADA ONLY)
Rouge (US ONLY)
Weight Watchers (US ONLY)
*NEW* Weddings in Winnipeg (Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA ONLY)

Non-specific
All You Need is Cheese (CANADA ONLY)
American Cheerleader (US ONLY)
Baseball America (US ONLY - 1 Issue)
Car and Driver (US ONLY)
Creative Ideas Magazine (US ONLY)
Gardens for All Newsletter (US ONLY)
Golf Tips (US ONLY)
Good News (WORLDWIDE)
Healthy Way (CANADA ONLY)
High on Taste (US ONLY)
Ingredients Etc. (CANADA ONLY)
Land and People (CANADA AND US ONLY)
Lighting and Sound America (CANADA AND US ONLY)
Life Enhancement (US ONLY)
Melt Magazine (CANADA AND US ONLY)
Miracle Magazine (WORLDWIDE)
Outdoor Guide Magazine (SELECT STATES ONLY)
Personal Update (CANADA AND US ONLY)
Plain Truth (CANADA AND US ONLY)
Psychology Today (US ONLY)
Surf (US ONLY - Digital Subscription)
Surfing (US ONLY)
Travel 50 and Beyond (US ONLY - 1 Issue)
Where to Retire (US ONLY)

Please let me know if you find that any of the links aren't working so that I can remove them from the list.  Also, if you find any subscriptions that aren't included, please let me know and I'll add them! :)  Happy Reading!

Friday, January 1, 2010

A New Year has Begun!


Before the day was over, I wanted to stop in and wish everyone a happy new year!  I am personally really excited about this year and I expect it to be great and the start of many new adventures!  Although I am not usually one for New Years Resolutions, this year I decided to make one - to be more organized (specifically when it comes to the material objects in my home).  This is the year I hope to finally jump in feet first and organize everything the way it should be so that clutter no longer consumes my everyday thoughts.  I figure a clutter free life must be a tad more relaxing! 

Other than organizing my material possessions, I'm really hoping to start organizing my meals better.  I have recently started making a few freezer meals here and there.  I'd like to expand that to preparing even more ahead of time in order to reduce the stress around meal times, which often leads to consuming unhealthy options that are loaded with fat and preservatives!

That leads me to my other wish for 2010.  To get healthy, fit, and lose some weight along the way.  I know many people make this a new years resolution but I've learned in the past that, that often doesn't work very well (at least for me).  That is why this is more of a personal goal for myself which will be ongoing - 2010 and beyond!

I figured I'd keep my goals simple and I'll go from there.  I'm sure throughout the year, I'll add a few more into the mix once I've started to accomplish these.  When it comes to accomplishing goals, I've found that baby steps always works best for me!


I'd love to hear from all of you!  What are your new years resolutions?  Do you have any goals or dreams for 2010?  How do you think 2010 will be compared to 2009?



Once again, I'd like to wish all of you the best in new year!  May all your hopes and dreams become a reality!

Happy 2010!


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

SlimPerfect Review & Giveaway! - ENDED



You've had the chance to hear me talk about SlimPerfect in the past (my original review can be located here).  But, since I was so happy with their products the first time around, SlimPerfect offered me the chance to review a few more pieces from their collection. 

For those of you who don't know, SlimPerfect makes products that fit women today's average sized woman (sizes 8-20). It is evident that SlimPerfect understands the needs and concerns of today's modern woman. SlimPerfect garments offer a number of designs with more coverage than traditional bathing suits and a selection that is sure to compliment all different body types.  SlimPerfect is proud to offer a range of products that will help build confidence and self-esteem!


SlimPerfect offers a majority of seperates, which allows you to mix and match.  SlimPerfect's seperates line includes bikini tops, skirts, skorts, dresses, sleeved dresses, tankinis, sleeved tankinis, and capris.  When you look through SlimPerfect's website, you will see just how verstile swimwear/active-wear can be when you purchase seperates! However, in order to meet everyone's desires, SlimPerfect also sells a number of SlimDresses, which are one piece outfits. 

Don't know which suit will compliment your body?  Then try SlimPerfect's online tool called ‘What Suits You?’, which is a survey that helps to narrow down your choices and provide you with the best option for your body shape and preferences.

Review
Casey Kurutz, President and Founder of SlimPerfect, sent me a few pieces from the SlimPerfect Line to try out.  First of all, I had the chance to review a black SlimDress with Sable Trim.  Since last time I did a review for SlimPerfect I only received separates, I was very happy to receive one of their one-piece options to try out.  Here is what SlimPerfect's website says about the SlimDress:

The SlimDress "features sewn in bike shorts for additional taming and coverage instead of a brief under the dress.  This versatile, SlimDress is sophisticated and chic and will definitely get compliments at the pool, gym or on the tennis courts. Our patent pending design gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. The SlimDress is a classic, modest swim suit or active wear garment. 

  • -Removable molded gel-filled bra cups with pockets.  Enhances the bust.  Pockets may be used for post mastectomy forms as well.
  • -All around elastic empire waist also enhances the support.
  • -This shape wear garment includes a tummy tamer panel lined with powernet mesh for added control.
  • -Features sewn in bike shorts for additional taming and coverage instead of a brief under the dress. This smooths out the thighs, inner leg and buttocks for a slimming look. This feature tames the bulges without moving them to other areas.
  • -Longer length for more coverage. Approx 33” from shoulder to hem.
  • -Nylon/Spandex. Hand wash.
  • -Brazilian fabric
  • -MADE IN THE USA"

So, what did I like about the SlimDress?  Well, I don't think there was anything I didn't like.  First of all, I really loved the sable trim on the suit; it made me look super sophisticated!  Another thing I really liked about the SlimDress was the fact that is was a one-piece.  Usually, I enjoy a one-piece better than separates.  I find that having a suit that is one-piece eliminates the worry of one or both pieces going up or down, which in turn can eliminate some pretty embarrassing moments.  Luckily, I haven't found the SlimPerfect two-pieces to be an issue but I still like to air on the side of caution. :)  Overall, I found that the SlimDress fit very well and held everything (my trouble spots) in as it should.

Next I had the chance to review SlimPerfect's black SlimCapri.  When I saw these on SlimPerfect's website for the first time, I thought they were very neat; I had never seen capris like these before!  Here is what SlimPerfect's website says about their capris:

"This versatile SlimCapri provides maximum coverage and control for the tummy, buttock and thigh area. It is lightweight and is designed to make you look longer and leaner. The SlimCapri can be worn at the pool, beach or gym. Our classic and modest capri can be worn for swim wear or active wear. 

  • -Front tummy tamer panel lined with powernet mesh for added control.
  • -Buttock and thigh tamer that is approx. 15” in length from the waist to smooth out trouble spots. This feature under the Capri is similar to a lightweight bike short. This feature tames and smooths the bulges without moving them to another area of the body.
  • -This shape wear garment is approximately 23” length for more coverage.
  • -Stretch
  • -Nylon/Spandex
  • -Brazilian fabric
  • -MADE IN THE USA"

Overall, I really liked the idea of these capris.  The style is nice and modern, and the length is perfect for me.  After wearing the capris awhile, I realized that they were super comfortable because of the stretchy material and the flowiness of them.  Since I am not used to wearing something on my legs while swimming, I'll likely use the capris for working out instead of swimming, which works just as well for me!  In the future, if I was to order another pair of capris from SlimPerfect, I'd likely order them one size larger than I did this time.  Not because they aren't true to fit - they are; however, I'd like them to be a bit flowier (real word? no. Sounds good?  yes.). 

Finally, you may notice in my last review that I never included a picture of myself (I admit it - I was too chicken).  Well this time around, I am including a picture of myself in one of my lovely SlimPerfect suits.  The suit I'm wearing below is a two-piece, which is made up of a black SlimPerfect Tankini with Merlot Trim and a black SlimSkort.  Note: The sand that you see all over the suit does not come with any of the items ordered on the SlimPerfect website.  The sand is a special present that my nephew figured his Auntie Ilissa would look nice in! :)


Since my last review, another exciting thing has happened...SlimPerfect was featured by Oprah!  Straight from SlimPerfect's Press Page: "SlimPerfect was listed in an article in O Magazine at http://www.oprah.com/ titled "Best Bathing Suit for Any Body (Yes, We Mean Yours)" as "Best Brands" for "Sizes 12 & Up" and "To Take Inches Off."   Thank you Oprah team!"

What can you win? One lucky reader will win a $50 E-Gift Certificate for SlimPerfect's website.  Unfortunately, the gift certificate cannot be used to cover shipping and the winner will be responsible for shipping costs.

How to enter: Go to SlimPerfect's website and look around.  Then, come back here and tell me what you'd buy (including the exact name and color) if you won the $50 gift certificate. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway.

Each of the following will give you one extra entry in the giveaway (unless otherwise noted). Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do. If a certain entry method is worth more than one entry, which will be indicated for methods worth more than one entry, please leave a comment to reflect each entry:
- Subscribing to my blog via email or RSS feed (Maximum of 1 entry - please tell me how you subscribe in your comment).
- Adding my button to your blog sidebar.  - IMPORTANT - If you've added it before, please add it again with the new code.  The button must point to http://www.everythingupclose.com for it to be counted as a valid entry.
- Following me on Twitter (@ihchicky) and Tweeting about this giveaway (with a link to this page). Please leave a link to your tweet or your twitter name. You can do this once a day.
-Following @SlimPerfect on Twitter.
- Following me on Blogger / Google Friends Connect (publicly).
- Entering one of my other giveaways.  Please indicate the name of the other giveaway you entered.
- Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link to your blog post in your comment.
- Talking about and linking to this giveaway in any public forum or on Facebook. If you do this, please leave your user-name and a link to the post.
-Donate a minimum of $1 to my BlogHer 2010 Fund using the ChipIn widget on the right hand side of my blog. Earn 2 entries for each dollar you donate! Please leave me your PayPal email address so I can verify your entry.

Important Entry Details:
The above entries (main and bonus) can only be submitted once per person (except for the tweet entry, which can be done daily). Please do not use more than one blogger account or add additional anonymous comments to gain extra entries. This is not fair to everyone else and this practice is strictly prohibited. If a person is found to be using more than one account to enter the same giveaway, they will be disqualified from that particular giveaway, as well as all future giveaways.

This giveaway will end on Saturday, January 9th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US only!


Good Luck!
 

Now is the perfect time to add some SlimPerfect pieces to your swim or workout wardrobe - especially if you are planning to travel to somewhere nice and warm this winter.  Now through January 1st, 2010, take 20% off your SlimPerfect order when you quote the coupon code Customer Appreciation Considering all of SlimPerfect's products are on sale to make way for the new 2010 line, you are sure to get a great deal!


*Disclaimer* In order to complete an accurate review of these products, SlimPerfect offered to send the above products to me free of charge (although, I agreed to pay for shipping).  This review is 100% of my own feedback and I did not receive any other sort of compensation for my opinion.

Wordless Wednesday - My Cat 'Stitch'

This video speaks for itself!  I hope you enjoy my very first Wordless Wednesday!

Note: Please excuse the mess.  I didn't think to tidy up before shooting the video. :S





Do you have a Wordless Wednesday on your blog today that features an animal?  Add you link below!



Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Giveaway List - 12/29

After a few days break for Christmas, I'm back at it with a giveaway list!  I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful and you got to spend time with all those closest to you and possibility got a few neat gifts during the festivities.  If there were somethings on your list that you didn't receive, make sure to look through the list below and enter for those special items on your wish list.  Remember, you can't win if you don't enter!

Have fun, enjoy, and all the best in 2010!



WORLDWIDE ENTRIES
Simply Stacie is giving away 2 prints from Jen Kiaba Photography. Worldwide entries accepted. - Ends December 29th

Momma In Flip Flops2 is giving away a B'Blanket. Worldwide entries accepted. - Ends December 30th

HandmadeMN is giving away a burp cloth and bib gift set. Worldwide entries accepted. - Ends January 2nd

Melinda Joy is giving away a $25 GC to EcoStore USA. Worldwide entries accepted. - Ends January 5th @ noon EST

Krazy Fashion Accessories is giving away the KF Everything Wallet PDF Sewing Pattern. Worldwide entries accepted. - Ends January 5th


US & CANADA ONLY
Cakeblast is giving away a hardcover copy of the book "Flip Along Fun!" Canada and US only. - Ends December 29th @ 11:59pm CST

Diva Giveaway is giving away a $30 Gift Certificate for Allison Mooney Jewelry Design. Canada and US only. - Ends December 30th

Simply Stacie is giving away a Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook. Canada and US only. - Ends December 30th

Simply Stacie is giving away Quick Stick Write-Ons from Safety Tat. Canada and US only. - Ends December 30th

Simply Stacie is giving away Any item up to $50 from Agoo. Canada and US only. - Ends December 31st

Simply Stacie is giving away 6 candles from Aunt Sadie's. Canada and US only. - Ends January 5th

Simply Stacie is giving away a copy a Aadvark Scarf from Admiral Road. Canada and US only. - Ends January 5th


US ONLY

Simply Being Mommy is giving away a copy of Guitar Hero 5 for Xbox 360. US only. - Ends December 29th

Rockin' Mama is giving away three $25 GC for Subway. US only. - Ends December 29th @ 10pm PST

Rockin' Mama is giving away a GC for a 1 pound box of See's Cand. US only. - Ends December 30th @ 10pm PST

Catch the Drift with Mama Snow is giving away a Sound of Music CD. US only. - Ends December 30th

Trekaroo - Kids. Trips. Tips.
is giving away 4 tickets to see Finian's Rainbow on Broadway in New York City (2 winners). US only. - Ends December 30th

Simply Stacie is giving away Preggie Pops and Preggo Drops. US only. - Ends December 30th

Momma In Flip Flops2 is giving away a Thirsties Fab Fitted Diaper and Duo Cover. US only. - Ends December 30th

Momma In Flip Flops2 is giving away the Sak & Elliott Lucca. US only. - Ends December 30th

Dj's Dusty Attic is giving away a Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Set. US only. - Ends January 1st

Simply Being Mommy is giving away a Build-A-Bear Portuguese Water Dog. US only. - Ends January 1st

Wisconsin Mommy is giving away a copy of the Wii Game Squeeballs Party. US only. - Ends January 2nd @ 11:59pm CST

A Frugal Friend is giving away a $25 Coleman Gift Card. US only. - Ends January 3rd

Simply Stacie is giving away a Box of CharcoCaps.  US only. - Ends January 3rd

Diva Giveaway is giving away a Sprig Toys Dolphin Explorer Boat - Eco Toy. US only. - Ends January 3rd

Simply Being Mommy is giving away a Nestle Holiday Prize Pack. US only. - Ends January 4th

Simply Being Mommy is giving away an Automoblox Original or 3 Mini Pack. US only. - Ends January 4th

Simply Stacie is giving away a bottle of fiber gummies (Pedia Lax). US only. - Ends January 5th

Let's Just Give It Away is giving away a $10 Walmart Giftcard. US only. - Ends January 9th


UNKNOWN

Mom Start is giving away a Puddles Bracelet. – Ends December 30th

Mom Start is giving away Patient Style Socks. – Ends December 30th

Mom Start
is giving away a $50.00 Gift Card 10 Winners. – Ends December 31st

Are you hosting a giveaway on your blog that you would like added to the list for FREE?  Submit your current and future giveaways HERE!