My OREO Creation? Nutty Caramel Apple Golden OREO Cookies!

Though I wish summer would last all year long, I can’t deny that school and the fall season are just around the corner. Stores have their back-to-school displays up already and I just registered Jake for football, my favorite fall pastime. Though I’m not looking forward to the colder weather, I am looking forward to all of the delicious flavors that fall brings, from pumpkin spice to caramel apple to maple.

One treat I enjoy eating in the fall is caramel apples so when I heard about the My OREO Creation contest, where people can submit ideas for new OREO flavors, I knew that my creation would incorporate the flavors of a caramel apple into a cookie. Think about a Golden OREO with a filling of sweet apple, smooth caramel and salty nuts. It would be the perfect flavor for the upcoming months!

What would your OREO creation taste like? With the My OREO Creation contest, OREO is inviting people to submit their own ideas for the next OREO flavor!

Head to Walmart to try the many flavors available (like Cinnamon Bun, Peanut Butter, and Mint) and then submit your own unheard-of flavor, for a chance to see your submission come to life and win a trip to New York City! Learn more about the My OREO Creation contest here. (NO PURCH NEC. 50 US/D.C./PR 18+. Enter by: 7/14/17. Rules)

What would your OREO creation taste like? I’d love to hear about your idea for a new cookie flavor in the comments below.

Take The OREO Cookies Dunk Challenge

Official rules can be found here: bit.ly/OREOSweepsRules

 

Our family loves OREO cookies so I always make sure to have a package or two in the pantry. It’s one of the only cookies that everyone in our family likes but what is funny is that we all eat them differently. Lucas loves to twist the cookie into two and lick off the white cream filling while Jacob likes to take bites of the cookie so he gets a bit of the cream filling and the chocolate cookie in his mouth together. I love to crumble mine up into pieces as a topping for chocolate pudding so I can slowly enjoy the chocolate treat while Sinisa sticks the whole cookie in his mouth and eats it in one bite.

It’s also fun to dunk our OREO cookies in milk! There are dozens of ways to dunk OREO cookies, including OREO Cookie’s tried-and-true dunking techniques – the Twist & Dunk, the Double Dunk, and the Plunge. Personally, I like to break mine in half before dunking it. Sinisa and the boys prefer to use a larger glass and dunk the cookie in one fell swipe.

OREO cookies wants to see how everyone dunks their cookies and are asking people to visit Walmart to pickup OREO cookies and then post their dunking technique with #OREODunkSweepstakes on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Those that do will be entered to win! 40,000 lucky finalists will have a chance to win one (1) of  five (5) VIP Grand Prize trips to a Celebrity Dunking Event in NYC or Los Angeles, plus $2,000! Learn more here.

 How do you dunk your OREO cookies?

 

Fun Drawing Contest For Kids

This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.

Do you have a little artist at home? If so, you will love this art contest that T.J.Maxx is hosting! To maximize what matters most, they are asking children to participate in an in-store art contest asking children to answer the following question with an illustration: “What do you like most in the whole world?”

Entrants will have a chance to win one (of 25) $250 savings bond AND for their artwork to be featured on future fundraising products that will support organizations like Save the Children that help children in need reach their full potential.

Here is Jacob’s entry:

 

He said he drew a picture of his favorite toys and then added “I love mom” because I am one of his favorite things, too. I thought that was sweet considering he is totally a daddy’s boy :)

(Edited to add: That sumo wrestler looking thing under “I love mom” is NOT me. lol. It’s a lego mini figure.)

There are two ways to get the entry form. You can download it here or head on over to T.J. Maxx (but quick because tomorrow is the last day of the contest!) and grab one of these entry forms. While you are there pick up something cute for yourself. You deserve it, mom!

 

 

Last Chance To Vote For Your “Frozen” Favorite

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Kohl’s. I received Kohl’s gift cards to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.

I shared last month about the ‘Sing Your Frozen Heart Out’ contest that Kohl’s and Disney sponsored. Nearly 4,000 fans submitted videos of themselves singing “Let it Go” and now you can view the top 10 finalists and vote for your favorite! Visit Disney.com/frozenfriday by November 23rd to cast your vote.

I watched all the videos and it’s going to be a tough race! I love The Smoots Family, especially the voice of the girl on the right. She sounds amazing! Of course, who can resist the cuteness of Dax & Allayna, the sister/brother duo in costume. Then there’s the two boys playing the piano while singing the song. They are pretty good, too!

On Sunday, November 23rd, we will find out who won the contest. The finalist with the most votes will have their performance air in a Kohl’s holiday commercial during the American Music Awards (AMAs). Tune into the AMAs on November 23rd at 8 p.m. ET on ABC to see if your favorite won!

Don’t let the Frozen fun end on the 23rd! Kohl’s has lots of gifts for your little Frozen fan. I’ve shared some of my favorites here and here but thought I’d share some of the ones I received that I think are going to be hits this year!

First, no Disney Princess is complete without a gorgeous dress. I really love this one that plays “Let it Go” and lights up as the music is playing. I’ve seen a lot of Princess dresses but this one has to be my favorite!

Other top Frozen gifts include this beautiful necklace and Olaf Snow Cone maker. The boys and I are excited to make special snacks this year while they are off school next week.

Check out the great Disney Frozen collection at Kohl’s! Which is your favorite gift idea?

Papa John’s #UpYourDance Challenge

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

What’s better than football and pizza?! How about a chance to win tickets to the big game or free Papa John’s pizza? To enter to win one of the amazing prizes Papa John’s is giving away, they are asking folks to show how they’d celebrate if their team scored points.

It’s easy to enter. All entrants have to do is follow @papajohns on Twitter or Instagram, upload their short video on Vine, Twitter or Instagram, and tag it #UpYourDance and #contest to enter to win!

Need some inspiration (or just want to laugh today)? Check out the video gallery of some of the submissions we’ve had so far for inspiration: http://bit.ly/UpYourDance2. I am loving the kids dancing and the one who does the slow dance with the ball.

Of course don’t forget to get some Papa John’s pizza while you are watching football games this season. It’s so delicious! I recommend the chocolate chip cookie pizza dessert as well. Yum!

Frozen Fun From Kohl’s {Gift Card Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Kohl’s. I received Kohl’s gift cards to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.)

Last month, I shared about a fun “Sing Your Frozen Heart Out” contest that Kohl’s was hosting. Frozen fans submitted videos of themselves, their kids, and/or the entire family singing “Let it Go” for the chance to appear in a Kohl’s holiday commercial that will air during the 2014 American Music Awards (AMAs) broadcast. Thousands of video entries were submitted to the collaborative and now you can view the favorites at Disney.com/frozenfriday.

I love all the videos of the little kids singing. So stinkin’ cute! This little girl had plenty of hand motions to go with the words. The boys even joined in on the fun! This one is by far my favorite. He has some lungs!

I was surprised by how many teens and adults entered the contest as well. As a mom, one of my favorites was the mom singing with her two teenage daughters. What a fun thing to do together.

Make sure to head back to the site on November 10th to vote for your favorite. I can’t wait to see who wins the contest. Such a cool prize they have a chance to win.

If you have a little Frozen fan in your life you can visit Kohl’s and find the perfect “Frozen” gift or outfit for them! I shared a cute outfit last month but I just noticed they had even more fabulous Frozen clothing so I had to share some other items (including a couple for boys).

Need some gifts for an upcoming birthday or Christmas? I have you covered there, too!

Which Frozen toy or outfit is your favorite? You can find all of them in your local Kohl’s store of at Kohls.com.

 GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $100 Kohl’s gift card

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Leave a comment telling me about the Frozen fan in your life

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Share this giveaway on a social network

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

Giveaway ends November 2, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

 

 

 

 

 

Rockin’ With The Hard Rock Roxtars® {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: The information, gift card, gift pack and giveaway have been provided to me by Hard Rock International. No celebrity or musician has endorsed the “Does Your Child Look Like a Rock Star” contest.)

Do you have a little rock star in your life? I do! My music lover is Lucas and with his long hair he could pass for a rock star! (Okay, so he really just needs a haircut but let’s just pretend we are going for the rock star look….) More so than looking the part though, I believe that he is a star because he is unique and makes his own choices no matter what anyone else thinks about them. I’ve never known a more unique kid!

We are loving the Hard Rock Roxtars! Each are unapologetically original and designed to inspire kids of all ages to rock an inimitable brand of cool, allowing their originality to shine. Band members include:

  • Razzi™, “the motherly type” who is famous for squishy hugs and keyboard skills
  • Sir Kingston™, a British-invasion inspired rock-and-roller on lead guitar
  • Styler™, a free-spirited and accompanying guitar player
  • Buddy Jr™, a wild man who loves nothing more than a good drum solo
  • Skiddley™, the lead singer and “Mr. Cool” of the group
To launch the Hard Rock Roxtars, Hard Rock Cafe is hosting a “Does Your Child Look Like a Rock Star?” Contest to encourage guest interaction with the new Hard Rock Roxtars characters, kids menu, and merchandise. For one night, during the “Does Your Child Look Like a Rock Star?” Contest, kids eat free* at Hard Rock Cafe with a paying adult. Guests can bring their favorite pint-sized rock star dressed in their best costume to the cafe for a chance to win a Hard Rock Cafe gift card or a 2015 birthday party* for eight of the rock star’s closest band members and entourage Make sure to contact your local cafe for all the details!

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win a gift pack that will include a themed guitar-shaped plate, a 6” plush Hard Rock Roxtars character, a Hard Rock adult t-shirt, an activity book, and a $50 Hard Rock gift card!

HOW TO ENTER

In the comments ell me about the little rock star in your life

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on social media

Giveaway ends November 10, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident, 21 or older, to enter.

Enter The Sing Your “Frozen” Heart Out Contest

(Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Kohl’s. I received a sample to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.)

Ever have songs that come on the radio and you just can’t help but sing along with them? That’s how we were with Frozen’s “Let It Go” song. When it first came on the radio I’d turn it up and Lucas and I would sing it at the top of our lungs while Jacob, my oldest, would scrunch his nose and plug his ears so he didn’t have to hear us sing (we may not be the greatest of singers but come on, we aren’t THAT bad….). I loved how Lucas would giggle throughout the song and just when I thought he couldn’t be any louder he would shout “Let it GOOOOOOOOOO”. Turns out that the perfect contest for Lucas and I to enter has been created.

Kohl’s Department stores, in collaboration with Disney, announced a national call for a Sing Your Heart Out contest. Disney “Frozen” fans can submit videos of themselves, their kids, and/or the entire family singing “Let it Go” for the chance to appear in a Kohl’s holiday commercial that will air during the 2014 American Music Awards (AMAs) broadcast. How fun! Hurry and enter because the contest ends on September 29th 2014! Find more details here and contest rules here.

I asked Lucas if he wanted to enter it with me and all of a sudden he became camera shy. I’ll have to tape him singing in the car when he doesn’t know the camera is on him. He is so cute you guys!

To add to the Frozen fun, Kohl’s will be offering Disney “Frozen” products this season. From apparel to toys and electronics, your little Frozen fan is covered! Here are some of my favorite Frozen merchandise available at Kohls.com now:

 

 

Win Your School Supply List!

The month of August is filled with all sorts of school related expenses. School supplies, new clothes, backpacks and lunchboxes, school physicals, and more seem to take up every spare penny we have this season. Because of this, I’m excited to share about a way that you can win your school supply list so that’s one less expense you have to pay for. Thanks to Great Clips for sponsoring today’s discussion.

Great Clips is fulfilling school supply lists with the #GREATLIST. Upload your school supply list to www.greatclips.com/greatlist between now and Sept. 5. Daily winners will have their back-to-school supplies shipped to their front door for free (up to $100). Everyone won’t get their list fulfilled but everyone is a winner because Great Clips is giving each person who uploads their list a $2 off coupon to get their back to school haircuts!

Also, as much as parents think they spend on supplies, it’s estimated that teachers spend $1000 of their own money on school supplies each year. Download Great Clips’ free Online Check-In app through Sept. 5 so you don’t have to wait to get your haircut. Not only will it save you time, it also helps classrooms in your community. For every download through Sept. 5, Great Clips will make a donation to support AdoptAClassroom.org, up to $20,000.

I love the commitment they’ve made to helping classrooms around the U.S! Pull out your tissues and watch how they gave gifts to two St. Paul area teachers in this video below:

Share Your #VacayGoneCrayCray Story

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.)

I love going on vacation with my family. It’s nice to just get away and relax. Well, that’s how it’s supposed to be at least! Have you ever went somewhere and had things go awry?

I remember one time I was so excited to visit an apple festival in a town about an hour and a half away. It was going to be a road trip and a quick mini-vaca to enjoy some of my favorite Fall traditions. So we got directions from the internet, loaded the car and were off. We drove and we drove and we drove. We could not find this little town, even after stopping and asking for directions! We ended up having to just turn around and heading home. When all was said and done we had spent about six hours driving without ever having stopped anywhere. Every time the weather starts to get cooler I am reminded of that story. Maybe one day we will try to go to the fest again and we will actually find it!

Do you have a crazy vacation story of your own? Choice Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel franchisors, is celebrating their 75th anniversary and wants to hear your story so they can help turn those crazy misadventures back into positive memories. You can tell your vacation misadventure stories for the opportunity to have your trip re-enacted by YouTube sensations Rhett & Link who will select the best of the worst vacation experiences to reenact on their Good Mythical Morning Show every Thursday. Along with that, you will have a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000 to re-do the trip that went awry the first time around. The winner will be announced on August 29th.

Here is the first #VacayGoneCrayCray story that was re-enacted (it starts at 4:19 in the video below):

For Official Rules, including prize descriptions, and how to enter, visit www.vacaygonecraycray.com.

 

Jacob’s Summer Style

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.)

Before I had boys I assumed that the only ones with cute clothes were girls. Once I became pregnant and started shopping though, I realized that boys had a great selection of clothes as well. Now that I am a mom of two boys I love shopping for them and their closet is is proof!

Recently, I had the chance to shop online at Kidzbloom, a NYC boutique. Kidzbloom challenged me to put together an outfit for one of my kid’s using three items in their store. I chose a t-shirt, brightly colored shorts, and a long-sleeve collared shirt (worn with the sleeves rolled up).

Buy the look

Check out the Kidzbloom website, where my son and 7 other blogger’s kids are featured. You have a chance to vote for your favorite outfit! The voting begins today, July 14th. The winning blogger will receive $150 store credit and every person that voted for the winner’s outfit will each receive a 30% discount to be used at KidzBloom.

Since I had my camera out I figured I’d snap some other pictures of Jacob in his new outfit :)

 

 

Vote For Your Favorite “Dashionista” Recipe

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.)

I always love to check out how creative some people are, especially when it comes to creating new recipes in the kitchen. Recently, Mrs. Dash seasoning blends hosted a recipe challenge called the “Mrs. Dash Dashionista Recipe Challenge”. Fans of the brand submitted their favorite original recipes featuring Mrs. Dash seasoning blends for a chance to win a $5,000 Grand Prize and other great prizes.

Voting is now open and the public is invited to vote for their favorite recipe here. I’m loving the Carribean Chicken and Pineapple Skewers. Yum! Which is your favorite?

How Big Is A Billion? Contest For Teachers

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by H&R Block but all opinions are my own.)

We all know that a Billion dollars is a lot of money but just how much is it in terms that we can easily imagine? H&R Block’s “How Big is a Billion?” contest is a new educational program that asks teachers to turn the idea of a billion dollars into a math assignment for a chance to win a $3,000 grant. Teachers are invited to submit real-life examples that illustrate the concept of a billion dollars. For example:

The contest runs through March 14, 2014 and to participate, teachers must submit a brief explanation and image of the creative concepts. To access the application, “like” the H&R Block Dollars & Sense Facebook page.

Submissions should be:

  • Square image
  • Minimum size 650×650 pixels
  • Include a description of math and research utilized to create the example of the size of $1 billion

There are three prize categories: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School and each level will be awarded a Grand Prize ($3,000 grant), 2nd place ($2,000 grant) and 3rd place ($1,000 grant). The first 50 entering educators will receive a $50 Gift Card just for entering!

H&R Block has teamed up with WeAreTeachers, an online resource for lesson plans, professional development resources, grants and contests for teachers, to select the finalists and help encourage participation. H&R Block will select the grand prize winners. Here are a few more details:

  • Entries will be evaluated based on accuracy and creativity.
  • The contest is open to teachers and homeschool educators.
  • Each participant can submit up to eight entries.

Join us for a Twitter party!

What: Every year, Americans leave a billion dollars on the table when they do their own taxes. That number is so huge it can be hard to visualize. To help people understand just how much money a billion dollars really is, H&R Block has introduced its “How Big is a Billion?” contest, asking teachers to turn the idea of a billion dollars into a math assignment for their students for a chance to win a $3,000 grant. The contest runs through March 14. Join us at the party to learn more!When: Tuesday, March 11, at 12p ET / 11a CT / 9a PT
Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #HowBigIsABillion hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/howbigisabillionHashtag: #HowBigIsABillionPrizes: Five prizes will be randomly awarded throughout the party, from all eligible correct responses to trivia questions. Each consists of a $200 gift card. (No purchase necessary. Entrants must be legal residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older.)Hosts: @theMotherhood, @theMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @HRBlock

Co-hosts:

  • Alicia, Making Time for Mommy – @aliciamarie112 (that’s me!)
  • Caroline, Smarty Pants Mama – @SmartyPantsMama
  • Chelsea, Someday I’ll Learn – @somedayilllearn
  • Elaina, A Time Out for Mommy – @atimeoutformommy
  • Erin, Making Memories with Your Kids – @EMakingMemories
  • Jennifer, My Boys and Their Toys – @Lovesmytwoboys
  • Julie, Julieverse – @JulieMPron
  • Maegen, Sounds Fun Mom – @SoundsFunMom
  • Sara, Mom Endeavors – @momendeavors
  • Vicky, Mess for Less – @MessForLess
Hope to tweet with you at the party!!

#RockYourVacation Instagram Contest

Are you dreaming of vacationing somewhere warm? Experience Kissimmee is hosting a “Rock Your Vacation” video contest on Instagram. Show how you and your “entourage” would Rock a Central Florida vacation and you could have the opportunity to enjoy adrenaline-pumping attractions and heart racing adventure, just moments from Orlando’s world-famous theme parks.

From now until March 16, entrants with an active and non-private Instagram account will be able to create and post an original 15-second video. In order to qualify, entrants must follow @ExperienceKissimmee and use the #RockYourVacation hashtag on Instagram. Once the submission has been approved, Experience Kissimmee will post a comment on the Instagram video with a link. The user will go to that link to “verify” their entry and the video will appear in a video gallery on www.RockYourVacation.com.

Submissions will be judged based on overall creativity and general knowledge of the destination. From among those, the top 8 videos will be narrowed down throughout a public voting period of 3 weeks using a bracket system.

The grand-prize winner and their entourage of five will receive a 6-day, 5-night VIP trip, during which they will have the chance to experience the destination in a way they may have never done before. Their getaway will include a stay at an amazing vacation home provided by All-Star Vacation Homes, an SUV car rental for a week and a number of exclusive experiences.

Learn more at rockyourvacation.com.

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for posting this information.)

NCAA Fun At Target {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: This is a compensated post but thoughts are my own.)

I talk about the Chicago Bears all the time but did you all know that I enjoy college ball, too? I live in Illinois but when I watch NCAA football or basketball the team I’m cheering for is from Ohio. Why? I went to college in Ohio! My school didn’t have a team in the NCAA since it was a small liberal arts school so the college team I adopted as “my” college team was Ohio State University {OSU}.

To make this sports season even more exciting, Target has teamed up with Dove Men+Care™, AXE®, Degree™ Men and the NCAA to create the “Save Your Season” QB Challenge. Enter the contest for your chance to win an Xbox One. Think your team is going to reign supreme? Recruit your friends to play against you!

Don’t forget to grab your favorite Dove Men+Care™, AXE® and Degree™ Men products, too. From now until November 9th, you’ll receive a $5 Target gift card when you buy any three participating Dove Men+Care™, AXE® or Degree™ Men products. Now, even if your team may stink this season, it doesn’t mean you have to.

Like Twitter parties? Join the Twitter party with @ResourcefulMom taking place on 11/4 at 8 PM ET by following the hashtag #NCAATarget.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $20 Target giveaway

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me what NCAA team you (or someone in your family) cheers for

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway ends November 9, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. Must be 18 or older and a US resident to enter.

 

Last Chance To Vote For Your Favorite Recipe

(Disclosure: This is a compensated post but thoughts are my own.)

Just a reminder that the Beano Be Natural Virtual Cook-Off ends tomorrow! As a reminder here are the top five finalists:

  • Chipotle Lime Fajitas by Mama Dweeb
  • Honey Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Over Cauliflower Mashed by Melanie in the Middle
  • Veggie and Chicken Sausage Linguine by Not So Average Mama
  • Homemade Chicken Barley Soup by Moms Review 4 You
  • Three Bean Veggie Salad with Whole Wheat Pitas & Lemon Garlic Hummus by Mom Spotted

All the recipes look delicious! Which one is your favorite? Vote for it here.

Here was my entry into the contest (but it wasn’t a finalist):

Steak, Bean & Pasta Soup

All entries into the contest had to be made with at least 5 gas causing ingredients. I had never realized that pasta was a gas causing food. Thankfully there is Beano.

Beano® contains a natural enzyme that can help prevent gas before it starts. It comes in tablet or meltaway form. If you take Beano you can enjoy all of the healthy foods you want without gas pains and bloating.

 

$25 Kohl’s Gift Card Giveaway

Last week I shared that I was working with Kohl’s to promote their new #CookWithKohls Sweepstakes. To enter this sweepstakes, log onto Twitter or Instagram and show/tell @Kohls what you’re baking for a chance to win a $500 Kohl’s Gift Card. One grand prize winner will even win a $5,000 Kohl’s Gift Card! Follow @Kohls and include the hashtag #CookWithKohls. (See complete rules here.)

Tonight I’m happy to share that one of you will get to win a $25 Kohl’s gift card right here on my blog! Which amazing Food Network products would you buy with your gift card? Check out my last post to see what items I bought.

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me which kitchen item you’d want to buy at Kohl’s

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Follow @Kohls on Twitter

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Subscribe to this blog via email (look in upper right corner)

Giveaway ends November 2, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. Must be 18 or over and a US resident to enter.

(Disclosure: I received a gift card from Kohl’s but all thoughts are my own.)

#CookWithKohls Sweepstakes

I partnered with Kohl’s a lot this past Summer and Fall to show you some hot fashions but this month I’m working with them to help share the word about their new #CookWithKohls Sweepstakes. Check out the Food Network page on Kohls.com for loads of inspiration, recipes and pics.

I went shopping yesterday in the kitchen department at Kohl’s and was surprised by how much they offered. I had bought small appliances at Kohl’s before but hadn’t ventured into the department that much. Check out what I bought:

I got mini pie pans to make individual apple pies with all of the apples I have leftover from apple picking. I got collapsible measuring cups because we needed them. I love that they collapse to save room since we don’t have much cabinet space. I also got a dutch oven because I’ve never had one and I’ve always wanted one :)

Want to win the #CookWithKohls Sweepstakes so you can get some Food Network items of your own? To enter, log onto Twitter or Instagram and show/tell us what you’re baking for a chance to win a $500 Kohl’s Gift Card. One grand prize winner will even win a $5,000 Kohl’s Gift Card! Follow @Kohls and include the hashtag #CookWithKohls. Rules: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/bhwo

Here was my entry into the Sweepstakes:

See how easy that is? It took me less than a minute to enter to win a gift card! Good luck!

(Disclosure: I received a gift card from Kohl’s to go shopping but all thoughts are my own.)

Beano Be Natural Virtual Cook-Off Voting Is Live

(Disclosure: This is a compensated post but all thoughts are my own.)

Some of you may remember the soup recipe I made a couple of weeks ago for the Beano Be Natural Virtual Cook-Off. While the recipe is doing great on Pinterest, I was not one of the five finalists chosen. Want to see the recipes that were picked? Find them on the Beano Facebook page and make sure to vote for your favorite! Don’t forget to fill out your contact details for a chance to win free Beano products. Voting ends October 13th.

 

 

Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash & Costume Contest

The Hub Network, a destination for kids and their families, will host the “Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash,” to be broadcast on Saturday, October 26, 2013 on the cable channel.

The special will be hosted by Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), along with Halloween expert Martha Stewart who will lead a panel of celebrity judges, and includes music performances and a nationwide costume competition where 50 semi-finalists from each state will head to Los Angeles to be a part of the two-hour star-studded event.

One lucky winner will win $25,000 and a walk-on role on the Hub Network’s Daytime Emmy® Award-winning series, “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series.”

The “Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash” costume competition is open to all ages, including individuals or a maximum of five people per group submission.

Participants are encouraged to create eye-popping, hair-raising and spooky costumes within one of the following six categories:

·         Howl-arious – Shows the lighter side of Halloween with a take on a fun, funny or otherwise hilarious costume.

·         Spook-tacular – Get ready to frighten America by showcasing the most spine-chilling costume for all the ghosts and ghouls out there.

·         Mad Genius – Unique, original, innovative and never seen before. A knight in armor fashioned from bottle caps, bat wings made from old umbrellas, or a cardboard-box jetpack, the possibilities are endless. Display a costume unlike any other — show your Mad Genius.

·         Blast from the Past – Take a stroll down memory lane with a timeless costume. Memories, nostalgia and yesteryear brought to life. Show your take on great figures from before the 20thcentury or a retro 50’s sock hop get up, 60’s flower child or other “period” inspired costumes.

·         Animal Kingdom – Transform into a living creature from the past or present. Be a roaring lion, a school of jellyfish, a firefly, or a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

·         Everyday Stuff – We’re looking for the coolest refrigerator/freezer, remote control, mailbox, block of Swiss cheese, telephone and more.  Be creative and transform the ordinary into the extra-ordinary.

For more information on how to enter, as well as to check out the latest entries, please visit hubworld.com/halloween and also the video. The deadline to enter is Sunday, September 29, 2013.

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post however I am entered into a gift card drawing for posting it.)

 

 

Help Your School Excel with Excedrin® Sweepstakes

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.)

Back to school season is one of the craziest times of the year for parents. According to a recent survey by the makers of Excedrin®, 44% of parents say they expect to get a headache during the back to school season. I am definitely one of those parents who got a headache because the first week of school was filled with getting back into routines, filling out forms, last minute shopping trips, and meetings every night of the week. I’m glad that Excedrin® was on my back to school shopping list!

Something else that the makers of Excedrin® found was that a large majority of parents (85%) think their schools are in need of new or upgraded supplies such as pencils and paper and computers or software and gym/sporting equipment. I know that Jacob’s school is doing multiple fundraisers this year to earn money for new technology in the classrooms. That’s a lot of wrapping paper rolls and taffy apples! I love what Excedrin® is doing to help schools. With every purchase of Excedrin®, parents can enter for a chance to win $10,000 for their child’s school.

To enter the “Help Your School Excel with Excedrin® sweepstakes and have the chance to be one of the five lucky winners, parents simply need to visit Excedrin’s Facebook page.

Full rules can be found on the Facebook page linked above but here is a list of abbreviated rules: NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Runs 8/15/13 at 9:00:00 AM CDT to 9/15/13 at 11:59:59 PM CDT. Must be 18+, a legal resident of the 50 U.S./D.C., & have a valid email address & Facebook account. See www.facebook.com/excedrin for rules. To enter for free, hand-print your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address, and name of school, and mail to: “Help Your School Excel With Excedrin® – Free to Enter”, PO Box 11387 South Bend, IN 46634-0387, postmarked by 9/16/13 and received by 9/23/13. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.

(Disclosure: I was compensated for posting this information but thoughts are my own.)

No Bake Recipe Contest {Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I received a gift card for posting this but all thoughts are my own.)

I LOVE cookie dough and brownie batter. As a child I was always told that I couldn’t eat it because it had raw eggs and it could make me sick. When I learned about Safest Choice Eggs I was excited because this meant I could safely enjoy my favorite treats from childhood! Safest Choice eggs are all natural, vegetarian and kosher. They take fresh shell eggs and slowly, gently pasteurize them in a warm water bath. This method kills Salmonella bacteria and viruses like Avian Influenza. Safest Choice eggs look, cook and taste like farm-fresh eggs, yet are safe to eat any way you like — even raw!

This summer, Safest Choice Eggs is encouraging cooks from across the nation to beat the kitchen heat with a No Bake Recipe Contest. Hurry though! The contest ends tomorrow, August 30th! Show off your culinary skills and submit your custom recipe for a chance to win a luxury vacation for two to Sarasota, Florida, including an exclusive culinary lesson with world renowned chef and cookbook author Giuliano Hazan.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $50 Visa gift card and a coupon for FREE Safest Choice Eggs

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Leave a comment telling me what you’d make with the Safest Choice Eggs

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Follow Safest Choice Eggs on Twitter

4) Follow me on Twitter

5) Comment on another post here

Giveaway ends September 10, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. Must be 21 or over and a US resident to enter.

(Disclosure: I received a gift card and coupons but all thoughts are my own.)

 

 

Wholly Guacamole® OMGuac Lunch Contest

(Disclosure: I am receiving products for posting about this contest.)

The Wholly Guacamole® brand wants to help you make lunch for you and your kids OMGuac -tastic!  After all, Wholly Guacamole is the Official sponsor of the OMGuac Lunch!

Stop by eatwholly.com/omg for some great ideas, a coupon and a chance to win $100 gift card with FREE Wholly Guacamole products! Here’s how it works. Use Wholly Guacamole minis and a little creativity to make lunch fun! The best lunches will win a lunch box full of guacalicious products and a gift card for $100! For complete contest details and rules, visit the website linked above. Three winners are chosen weekly through Sept. 27. 

The One Lunch, Two Ways gives you inspiration on how to create two completely different lunches with most of the same ingredients! Take a look and print out the shopping list for your favorite ideas. No more boring lunches!

Meijer’s “Most Likely To” Photo Sweepstakes

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.)

Finish this sentence….”my child is most likely to…..”

What comes to mind first? For Jacob I’d say, “find something he is passionate about and get a Doctorate in it” and for Lucas I’d say, “be a fashion designer and develop a line of pink clothes for boys/men”.

It’s kind of fun to think about what they will be like when they get older. Meijer is inviting shoppers to post a photo that shows their kids’ unique talents and interests in becoming the next great valedictorian, athlete, humanitarian chef, etc., for the chance to win a $100 Meijer gift card (25 grand prizes). The ‘Most Likely To…’ photo sweepstakes runs from July 28 – Sept. 8, 2013.

Simply visit http://bit.ly/MeijerMostLikelyTo and submit a photo showing what your child is most likely to be when he/she grows up.

Contest For Non-Profits {And A $50 Tiny Prints Giveaway}

Wanted to share about this for those of you that are on boards of non-profits or active on the Parent-Teacher Association of your child’s school. This is a great contest from Tiny Prints!

Facebook Contest details:  

Tiny Prints is offering nonprofits (including nonprofit schools and PTAs) the chance to win one of ten $1,000 weekly prizes by entering the Tiny Prints Storefront Contest from February 22 – March 22, 2013. To enter you must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (including nonprofit schools and PTAs). US only.

Contest Steps:

1. In order to apply for a Tiny Prints Storefront, nonprofits must first apply to become a Tiny Prints affiliate through Shareasale’s simple signup process here. Shareasale will notify applicants of acceptance or rejection generally within two business days via email.

2. If nonprofits are accepted into the Tiny Prints affiliate program, they must apply for a Tiny Prints Storefront here. Successful applicants will receive a Tiny Prints Storefront URL.

3. After they have completed these two steps and agree to the Official Rules below, they will need to fill out the registration form here to enter the contest. This is where they will enter their Tiny Prints Storefront URL. Entrants must have a valid Tiny Prints Storefront created during the Entry Period.

GIVEAWAY:

$50 promo code to TinyPrints.com

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Leave a comment telling me what your favorite product from Tiny Prints is

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Like Tiny Prints on Facebook

4) Comment on another one of my blog posts

5) Subscribe to my blog via email {look in upper right corner}

6) Share this giveaway on a social network

Giveaway ends April 3, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time.

(Disclosure: I am receiving a gift code for posting about this contest but am giving my code to a reader to enjoy. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way.)

Holiday Cooking Contest With Sandra Lee And Verizon

Verizon has teamed up with Sandra Lee (you know, of Food Network fame) to launch the “tastiest contest of the season” with the chance to win a variety of great prizes (like a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Sandra Lee 10pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set or a signed copy of “Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Fast-Fix Family Favorites” recipe book).

Entry is simple. Just submit your favorite original holiday recipe online. Different categories are open each week through December 19 and entries will be judged based on originality, cost, speed and ease. Winners will be announced weekly via Sandra’s Facebook and Twitter, and the Final Grand Prize winner will be announced on 1/2/13.

To find out more and enter, visit the contest page: http://www.verizoninsider.com/sandralee

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.)

Verizon Wireless Super Bowl Contest

The best teams in the NFL are going head to head for the chance to reach the ultimate game of this season – Super Bowl XVII in New Orleans. The best part is that YOU could be there!

Four Grand Prize winners will score a trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, LA, which includes:

  • Round-trip coach air transportation for two to New Orleans
  • Five-day, four night hotel accommodations (January 31 – February 4, 2013)
  • Two Super Bowl XLVII tickets to the game to be played on February 3, 2013 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA
  • $1,000 spending money
  • Two gift bags complete with NFL Experience tickets and an NFL Shop Gift Card

Entry forms are available at any Verizon Wireless store and the contest is open through November 9.

For complete rules please head on over to the Verizon Insider page.

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.)

New Living Translation Facebook Page Giveaways

The New Living Translation Facebook page has great giveaways going on now through December 24th. They are giving away lots of great prizes and something free for you just for singing up.

By visiting the giveaway entry page (located on the NLT Facebook page, the link is under the profile picture) and entering your name and e-mail address you’ll be entered to win the following prizes:

  • One random person each day will win a Life Application Study Bible Family Pack (Guys Life Application Study Bible hc, Girls Life Application Study Bible hc, Student’s Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible Large Print hc).
  • One Random person each week will win an Apple iPad 2!

Everyone that signs up gets a free download copy of the Life Application Bible Study – Book of Luke!

Visit their Facebook page to find out more and enter to win!

(Disclosure: I am receiving a Study Bible in exchange for posting about the giveaways happening on their Facebook page. Good luck!)

Enter To Win An iPad2!

Head on over to Woman Freebies to enter to win an iPad2! All you do is fill in your name and email address in the form that pops up. Contest ends January 15th. Good luck everyone! :)

(Disclosure: I was compensated for posting about this contest but I want one of you to win because if you win an iPad2, I win an iPad2!)

Win A Winter Wonderland Family Vacation!

U.S. Family Guide is giving away 2 Winter Wonderland Family Vacations to readers of the blogs in their networks! Enter to win by clicking on the banners below and filling out the forms. Let me know in the comments below if you enter either of them. Good luck! :)

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Win a Winter Wonderland Family Vacation to Estes Park, Colorado.
Vacation includes: 5 nights deluxe accommodations in 2 bedroom condo for a family of up to 8

Estes Park, Colorado is a charming mountain resort community situated at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors can explore the park and view amazing wildlife or experience an endless variety of outdoor activities including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Other activities for families include the Estes Park Winter Festival, incredible shopping, dining and outdoor fun.

Welcome to Gunnison-Crested Butte – the heart and soul of the rugged Rocky Mountains in Southwest Colorado. If you’re looking for something unpretentious, authentic and a stark contrast from the ordinary, you’ll be happy to get to know us! Our friendly 1880’s Western and Victorian mountain towns make Gunnison-Crested Butte a unique Rocky Mountain vacation destination – spring, summer, winter, or fall. At Crested Butte Lodging & Property Management, we understand quality of lodging can make or break your vacation. We have carefully evaluated and inspected each property and have categorized our accommodations to further help you make your selection. We want you to come to Crested Butte, Colorado to relax and have fun – not hassle with your accommodations. We promise a vacation you’ll never forget! Call 1-888-412-7310 to make lodging arrangements.

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This contest ends February 1, 2012

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for posting this. As a blogger I am entered to win one of two blogger vacations. I get extra entries when you all enter so please do. Hope one of you wins!)

Spooktacular Cake Pops

I love to bake but I don’t do it very often. I kept hearing people talk about making cake pops but they always seemed too time consuming and difficult to make. Looking through the September 2011 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal I came upon an article entitled, “Bake Sale Treats”, and it shared a recipe for cake pops that made it seem easier than I had thought it would be. I decided to make them with the help of Sinisa and two little taste testers, Jacob and Lucas.

I headed to Michaels to get the supplies I needed to make cake pops. To see more about my shopping trip to Michaels and all the Fall items I bought click here.

Ingredients to make cake pops:

-Boxed Cake Mix

-Container of Frosting

-Candy Melts

-Sprinkles

Optional: cute basket, styrofoam pieces, and crinkled paper to display the cake pops.

Directions to make the cake pops:

Follow the directions on the cake box mix and make the cake like you normally would (without the frosting)

***

Let the cake cool completely. Once it is cool, crumble it in your hands or using a food processor.

***

Add a container of frosting and mix well until you have a dough like consistency.

***

Roll mixture into 1-inch ball and freeze for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes take them out of the freezer. Dip the lollipop sticks in melted candy melts and stick in the middle of the balls. Stick them back in the freezer for another 20 minutes.

***

After 20 minutes take them out of the freezer and dip them into a bowl of melted candy melts.

***

Dip the cake pops in sprinkles and let the candy coating harden before eating.

I think I did a good job for my first try making these but here are a few tips I learned from the process:

1) Don’t add too much frosting. One container is enough. I promise. I added a little extra from a second container because it didn’t seem like they had enough frosting and discovered that I added too much.

2) Make sure you melt the candy melts properly and make sure the bowl isn’t too shallow. I couldn’t easily dip the cake pop in the bowl and didn’t have the candy melted enough so the outside coating of my cake pops is too thick.

3) Once you dip the cake pops in the candy melts and add the sprinkles try to let the candy melt harden on them while they stand up. If you put it back on your cookie sheet upside down the sprinkles sink into the top and they don’t look right.

********

By the way, Ladies’ Home Journal is hosting a Personal Essay Contest. Here is more information about the contest: “For the first-ever LHJ Personal Essay Contest, we’re looking for first-person narratives of personal growth — a term you can interpret as broadly as you like. Whether you choose to write about a life lesson you learned the hard way or a challenge you managed (or perhaps failed) to meet, no topic is off-limits. And you could win $3,000 and have your essay published in LHJ. Essays will be judged chiefly on their emotional power, their originality, and the quality of their prose.” To learn more you can read about it here.

***

(Disclosure: This project has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias #CBias. All opinions are my own.)

Linked up at: Share Your Sunday Best, Craftomaniac Monday, Made By You Monday, Making The World Cuter Mondays, Homemaker Monday, Making Monday Marvelous, Inspire Me Mondays, Too Cute TuesdayTutorial Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Tasty Tuesdays, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Traditions, Tea Party TuesdayMade From Scratch Tuesday, Tutorials & Tips Tuesday, Idea Sharing Wed, Show and Tell, What’s Cooking Wed, Show Off Your Stuff, Crafty Soiree, Share Your Awesomeness, Get Your Brag On, Hookin Up With HOH, Let’s Linky, Promote Yourself , Catch a Glimpse, It’s A Keeper Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, I’m Lovin It, Flaunt It Friday, Friday Favorites, Fantabulous Friday, Feature Yourself Friday, Fine Finds Friday, Freestyle Friday, Friday Favs Party, Fun For Kids Friday, Sundae Scoop, Sunday Showcase Party, Inspiration Board, and Creative Jewish Mom

Del Monte Promotion and Giveaway (3 Winners)

Del Monte Fresh Produce’s “Teacher Monday: Cash for Classrooms” promotion is back for it’s second year. The goal of this program is to get kids eating healthier.  By supporting teachers, Del Monte Fresh hopes to encourage them to incorporate healthy living and eating messages into classroom lesson plans.

The program awards cash and fresh fruit to kindergarten thru 12th grade school teachers across North America to encourage them to incorporate healthy eating and living messages into classroom activities. Sixty teachers will win a total of $1,000 in cash to purchase school supplies and fresh fruit for their students. Top winners will also get a Del Monte Fresh Field Day event for their school in which the entire student body will enjoy a day of Del Monte fresh fruit, games and fun activities. Salad bars for schools will also be given away through promotions at supermarkets. For more details (and to nominate a teacher you know) you can go to www.fruits.com.

GIVEAWAY

Two readers will win $25 worth of Del Monte Fresh Produce gift certificates.

One reader will win $25 worth of Del Monte Fresh Produce gift certificates for yourself AND a backpack of school supplies to give to a teacher you know.

HOW TO ENTER

(Do any or all of the following, leave a comment for each you complete)

1) Leave a comment telling me your favorite fruit.

2) Follow @DelMonteFresh on Twitter

3) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

4) Share this giveaway on Facebook

5) Tweet: Win $25 worth of gift certificates for @DelMonteFresh fruit from @aliciamarie112 at www.makingtimeformommy.com (3 winners)

6) Blog about this giveaway

7) Enter another one of my giveaways and let me know which one you entered (I’m giving away a Jeep All Terrain Stroller!)

Giveaway ends September 23, 2011 at 11:59pm Central time.

(Disclosure: I received Del Monte Fresh gift certificates for my time but all thoughts are my own.)

I Am A Celeb!

Oh, did you not hear?

I have a very glamorous life…

I attend photo shoots multiple times a week!

(I’m normally behind the camera but I’m still there!)

I go on shopping sprees!

(I can buy a lot with my $20 bill at the local resale store.)

I am adored by men everywhere!

(Ok, so maybe just 3. But they are all very handsome!)

I go on fabulous vacations to places like Paris, Tahiti, and England!

(And then I wake up.)

I attend exclusive parties!

(Lots of times there is even cake.)

I get massages almost daily!

(Then I ask my son to please get his elbow out of my back.)

I enjoy breakfast in bed!

(On Mother’s Day. Oh, and maybe my birthday. If I’m lucky.)

***

As you can see I am a HUGE celebrity.

I’m used to getting pampered and adored and spending all of my time around fabulous people.

And if that’s not enough of a reason as to why I should win the Type A Celeb contest

I WILL BEG!

PICK ME! PICK ME! PICK ME!

Cause every celeb has gotta start somewhere right?

***

(Disclosure: This post has entered me into a Type A Celeb contest. I am one of 28 women who are competing to win a super fantastic prize pack including a ticket to the Type A Parent contest and a chance to hang out with Kadi Prescott. Not to mention it would give me a chance to mingle with other bloggers and learn from some fabulous speakers.)

 

#Snackbowl 2011 Contest

I just entered the Snackbowl 2011 contest and I’m excited to share it with all of you.

One lucky winner will receive:

  • Trip for 2 to the Hall of Fame® in Canton, OH.
  • Tickets to the Friday night “Enshrinee Dinner”
  • VIP tickets to the Friday night Hall of Famers post dinner reception.
  • Tickets to the PFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday.
  • Tickets to a round table on Sunday with PFHOF Members.
  • Tickets to a Tailgate Party on Sunday before the PFHOF Game (provided such game occurs).
  • Tickets to the PFHOF Game (provided such game occurs).
  • A Plaque (to be designed and provided by MARS Advertising, Inc., Diamond’s agent) will be placed at the PFHOF Snack Bar during the Enshrinement Weekend and related events.
  • A “VIP Moment” during which a PFHOF Member will present a trophy (to be designed and provided by MARS Advertising, Inc., Diamond’s agent) to a winner determined by Diamond of the Promotion during one of the enshrinement events set forth above (to be determined by the PFHOF).
  • Plaque hung in the Hall of Fame snack bar
  • $5,000 cash USD

The contest ends February 7, 2011. Would you like to enter? You can find more information on the website. Good luck! :)

(Disclosure: I was compensated by Collective Bias for this post but all opinions are my own.)